State Elections Recap

Democrats swept Pennsylvania’s 2025 judicial elections, retaining control of the state’s highest court and expanding their presence on the appellate bench.

Voters opted to keep Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, each securing new 10-year terms by margins of roughly 27 points. Their victories preserve the court’s Democratic majority, which has delivered major rulings in recent years — including decisions upholding mail-in voting and striking down gerrymandered congressional maps.

The normally quiet retention races drew record spending, with more than $17 million poured into the contests by candidates and outside groups. National organizations on both sides framed the elections as crucial to protecting judicial independence and reproductive rights.

Democrats also won both open seats on Pennsylvania’s intermediate appellate courts. Stella Tsai defeated Republican Matthew Wolford for the Commonwealth Court, earning 55.4% of the vote, while Brandon P. Neuman claimed a Superior Court seat with 54.6%, ahead of Republican Maria Battista and Liberal Party candidate Daniel Wassmer.

The Commonwealth and Superior Courts play pivotal roles in shaping state law, often serving as stepping stones to the Supreme Court. Commonwealth Court handles disputes involving state and local governments, while Superior Court reviews criminal, family, and civil appeals.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is currently weighing a major case over the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) — a challenge centered on whether former Gov. Tom Wolf exceeded his executive authority by attempting to join the carbon-reduction program without legislative approval. Oral arguments were heard in May 2025, and a ruling is pending.

While Democrats solidified their hold on the judiciary, Justice Donohue will reach the state’s mandatory retirement age in 2027, opening a key Supreme Court seat in the next election cycle. The 2026 midterm elections will have a major impact in Pennsylvania, including the state governorship, all 17 of Pennsylvania’s U.S. House seats, half (25 seats) of the Pennsylvania State Senate, and all 203 seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Other notable races

In the legislature, four current State Representatives won elections to other offices, creating special elections in the first half of 2026. They include:

• State Rep. Torren Ecker (R-193): Elected to Adams County Court of Common Pleas
• State Rep. Dan Miller (D-42): Elected to Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
• State Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-79): Elected to Blair County Court of Common Pleas
• State Rep. Josh Siegel (D-22): Elected Lehigh County Executive