This November voters will choose candidates to serve on two appellate courts – the Commonwealth Court and the Superior Court. While often considered “off” election years that generate lower voter turnout, the results of judicial elections have far-reaching impacts on Pennsylvania’s business climate and the scope of liability in the Commonwealth.
There is currently one open seat on the Commonwealth Court (which is made up of nine judicial members). Republican candidate Matthew Wolford faced off against Joshua Prince. Wolford, who is based in Erie and was endorsed by the GOP, was the victor. He will face off against Democrat Stella Tsai in the November General Election. Tsai currently serves on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and was endorsed by the Democratic Party.
The Superior Court also has one open seat. Clarion County attorney Maria Battista won the contested Republican Primary against her GOP endorsed opponent Ann Marie Wheatcraft. Battista will be on the ballot against Democrat Brandon Neuman in the General Election. Neuman is a former state representative and a current member of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas.
Also on the ballot, are three Supreme Court justices who are up for retention. All three justices up for retention – Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht – were elected as Democrats. Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on retaining them on the Supreme Court for another ten-year term. The state Supreme Court consists of a 7-justice panel, with the current political make-up of the court split between 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans.
Each of the state’s lower appellate courts also have Democratic judges up for retention. Judge Alice Dubow is up for retention to the Superior Court and Judge Michael Wojcik is up for retention to the Commonwealth Court.
Under Pennsylvania law, all elected and appointed judges must retire at the age of 75. Additional details on the candidates and the results of the Primary Election can be found in this Spotlight PA article.