Judicial Voter Guide: 2025

Kids’ Futures and Parents’ Rights Depend on Fair Judges

Kids’ futures are at stake in the 2025 election. Decisions made by Pennsylvania’s courts impact nearly every aspect of children’s and families’ lives — from school funding and child welfare to clean air and public safety.

On Tuesday, November 4, Pennsylvanians will elect judges to the Supreme, Superior, Commonwealth, Common Pleas, and Municipal Courts.  This includes both retention elections — where voters decide if sitting judges should remain on the bench — and open-seat races to fill new vacancies.

To help voters make an informed decision, Children First Action Fund analyzed court decisions and interviewed candidates.

See below for information about the candidates, frequently asked questions, and resources to help you make a plan to vote on Election Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION 1: Pennsylvania elects judges?

Yes. Pennsylvania is one of the few states where judges are chosen directly by voters. Candidates run in partisan elections for open seats, and sitting judges face retention elections at the end of their terms.

QUESTION 2: Why do judicial elections matter for children and families?

Courts decide cases on school funding, child welfare, reproductive health, environmental protections, housing, and public safety. Judges’ rulings have real consequences for kids’ futures and family well-being.

QUESTION 3: What is a retention election?

In Pennsylvania, most judges serve 10-year terms. When that term is up, they don’t run against an opponent.  Instead, voters get to vote “Yes” or “No” on whether the judge should stay on the bench for another term.

QUESTION 4: What is the Bar Association and what do its ratings mean? 

The Pennsylvania Bar Association and local county bar associations are legal professional organizations that review judicial candidates’ qualifications. They issue ratings such as “Recommended” or “Not Recommended” based on legal experience, integrity, fairness, and temperament. These ratings give voters an independent, nonpartisan perspective on a candidate’s fitness to serve.

QUESTION 5: How long do judges serve once elected?

Appellate and Common Pleas judges in Pennsylvania serve 10-year terms. Municipal Court judges in Philadelphia serve 6-year terms. After their term ends, they must stand for a retention election if they want to continue serving.

QUESTION 6: What do the different court levels mean?

Pennsylvania’s courts have different roles.

a.   The Supreme Court is the highest court and has the final say on state law and constitutional issues.

b.   The Superior Court hears most appeals in criminal, civil, and family cases.

c.    The Commonwealth Court handles cases involving state and local government, like education funding and elections.

d.   The Courts of Common Pleas are local trial courts where most cases begin, including family, civil, and criminal matters.

e.    Municipal Courts deal with everyday cases like housing disputes, small claims, and traffic offenses.

Find out more about the structure of the courts at Committee of 70 and Pennsylvanians for Moderns Courts.

 

NOTE: On phone & tablet screens, swipe left & right on the charts below to see all columns.

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Supreme Court

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the state’s highest court. It has the final word on cases that affect state law and constitutional rights, including major decisions on school funding, reproductive health, and community safety.

Children First Action Fund reviewed Supreme Court decisions that impact children and families. Review each Justice’s decisions below:

Candidate NamePositionCandidate PhotoPartyReview Important Decisions that Impact ChildrenProtected Children and Families on the Bench?PA Bar Association Rating

LEARN MORE HERE
Justice Christine L. DonohueRetentionN/A

LEARN MORE HERE
YRecommended for Retention
Justice Kevin M. DoughertyRetentionN/A

LEARN MORE HERE
YRecommended for Retention
Justice David N. WechtRetentionN/A

LEARN MORE HERE
YRecommended for Retention

Superior Court

The Superior Court hears most appeals in Pennsylvania, reviewing decisions from county courts in criminal, civil, and family cases. Its rulings set important precedents that shape how laws are applied across the state.

Candidate NamePositionCandidate PhotoPartyReview Important Decisions that Impact ChildrenProtected Children and Families on the Bench?PA Bar Association Rating

LEARN MORE HERE
Judge Alice DubowRetentionN/A

LEARN MORE HERE
YRecommended for Retention
Judge Brandon NeumanOpen SeatDN/AN/AHighly Recommended
Maria BattistaOpen SeatRN/ANot Recommended

Commonwealth Court

The Commonwealth Court focuses on cases involving state and local government, including education funding, elections, and regulatory matters. Its decisions have a direct impact on public policy and children’s access to essential services. Children First Action Fund invited all Commonwealth Court candidates and retention Judges to sit for a panel interview with legal experts and advocates.

Candidate NamePositionCandidate PhotoPartySat for Children First Action Fund Interview? PA Bar Association Rating

LEARN MORE HERE
Judge Matt WojickRetentionN/ANRecommended for Retention
Judge Stella TsaiOpen SeatD

LEARN MORE HERE
Highly Recommended
Matt WolfordOpen SeatRNHighly Recommended

Philadelphia – Court of Common Pleas – Family Court

Family Court judges handle cases closest to children and families — including custody, child welfare, adoption, and protection from abuse. Their rulings directly shape the safety and stability of kids’ daily lives. Children First Action Fund only reviewed Judges up for retention that hear juvenile — dependency and delinquency — cases. For more information on the other Common Pleas candidates and judges, please see Committee of 70 Voter Guide.

Candidate NamePartyPA Bar Association Rating

LEARN MORE HERE
Judge Daine GreyN/ANot Recommended

Municipal Courts

Municipal Court handles everyday cases that directly affect families — including landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, traffic offenses, and some criminal matters. These decisions often shape housing stability, financial security, and community safety. For  information on the Municipal Court candidates and judges up for retention, please see Committee of 70 Voter Guide.

Make Your Plan to Vote on November 4, 2025

Step 1: Visit our voting center to find your polling place, request a mail-in ballot, and more!

Step 2: Share a printable PDF of our judicial election analysis and share with your friends and family!