There is one open seat. Once selected in May, this and other court positions will undergo retention elections in November for terms expiring at the end of 2025. The Superior Court also hears appeals on matters involving children and families.
You may vote for only one candidate from the list below:
Brandon Neuman (Democrat): “Electing me to the Superior Court will ensure that Pennsylvanians have their voices heard by a fair and impartial judge. I hope to earn the voters’ trust”.
Maria Battista (Republican): “The opinions issued by our appellate courts have a far-reaching impact on all of our lives. My years of experience in civil, criminal, and administrative law make me especially qualified to serve on the Superior Court”.
Ann Marie Wheatcraft (Republican): “During my time on the bench, I have consistently imposed some of the harshest penalties on violent criminals”.
Commonwealth Court
Here are the Democrat and Republican candidates for this seat (vote for one):
Stella Tsai (Democrat): “My principles and roots are based on integrity, transparency, consistency, and empathy. I believe our legal system must be accessible and fair for all Pennsylvanians”.
Joshua Prince (Democrat): “The judiciary is the last line of defense to protect citizens’ freedom and ensure their rights are upheld”.
Matt Wolford (Republican): “I am a qualified and experienced legal professional, ready to bring my deep knowledge of government actions and bureaucracy to the Commonwealth Court”.
Philadelphia Municipal Court
The Philadelphia Municipal Court is a limited jurisdiction court made up of 27 judges, divided into three divisions:
- Criminal Division handles adult criminal cases with a maximum penalty of five years. It also handles all initial criminal arrests in the city, misdemeanor trials, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Civil Division handles civil cases involving:
a. Claims under $12,000
b. Unlimited dollar amounts in landlord-tenant disputes
c. $15,000 limits in real estate and school tax cases - Traffic Division handles traffic violations.
In this primary, five Democratic candidates are running for three open seats:
Sherrie Cohen
Amanda Davison
Cortez Patton
Shawn Page
Qawi Abidul-Rahman
Court of Common Pleas
These courts have general trial jurisdiction and are organized into 60 districts. Philadelphia’s is the largest, with 101 judges. Each court is overseen by a President Judge, elected by peers.
They handle:
- Criminal and civil cases
- Family and child matters
- Appeals from lower courts (like the Municipal Court)
Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas is divided into three:
- Trial Division: Handles major criminal and civil cases
- Family Division: Oversees divorce, paternity, custody, child support, domestic violence, juvenile matters, dependency, and adoptions
- Orphans’ Court Division: Handles wills, estates, and trusts
Twelve Democratic candidates are running for nine seats. Meet them below:
Will Braveman: “People in court are often in crisis. They deserve a system that offers dignity, empathy, and respect for all”.
Irina Ehrlich: “My legal experience, commitment to justice, and compassion will make me a fair judge who treats everyone with respect”.
Larry Farnese: “Our courts must reflect the belief that everyone deserves fairness, respect, and swift resolutions”.
Kia Ghee: “Philadelphia needs leaders who understand our community’s challenges and are committed to justice and equity”.
Sarah Jones: “If elected, I’ll serve the people of Philadelphia with a focus on fairness, integrity, and compassion”.
Leon A. King II: “I’ve lived it. I can empathize with many people and what they’ve gone through. I’m authentic and committed”.
Brian Kisielewski: “Justice must be accessible, fair, and focused on what really matters”.
Anthony Stefanski: “My goal is simple: to ensure that every person who enters my courtroom—whether accused or seeking justice—has a fair chance”.
Deborah Watson-Stokes: “There will always be obstacles and people who don’t see you the way you see yourself. But you will always have what you need if you don’t give up”.
Qawi Abdul-Rahman: “Elect me to bring change to our judicial system”.
Sherrie Cohen: “I’ll fight for universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds, full school funding, education equity, a moratorium on charter schools, and an end to conflicts of interest and arbitrary student selection”.
Taniesha Henry: “I want to make sure sensitive issues are handled with care and integrity because I have the wisdom to make fair decisions and treat everyone with respect”.
District Attorney
The District Attorney prosecutes crimes in the county and works with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure public safety and legal compliance.
This position is elected citywide every four years, with no term limits. You may vote for one:
Pat Dugan (Democrat): “I’ve answered the call to serve my entire life to protect our citizens”.
Larry Krasner (Democrat): “I’ll continue to fight mass incarceration and work to prevent violence”.
City Controller
The City Controller performs independent audits and analysis of city finances and helps identify ways to improve operations and spending.
This position is elected citywide for four years, with no term limits.
Candidates (vote for one):
Christy Brady (Democrat): “Bringing people together to solve tough problems and deliver results for the citizens of Philadelphia.”
Ari Patrinos (Republican): “Let’s chart a new course, together”.
Election Officials
Judge of Elections: The lead official at a polling place, responsible for opening/closing the polls, overseeing staff, verifying voters, and preventing fraud. Must live in the precinct and is elected for a four-year term (no term limits).
Majority & Minority Inspectors of Elections: Verify voter registration documents and signatures, prepare certificates, ensure the legality of the process, and confirm vote machine numbers at the end of the day. Also elected for four years with no term limits.
Many of these candidates are highly recommended by the PA Bar JEC (Judicial Evaluation Commission), which reviews candidates for appellate court positions.
We’ll keep you informed. And remember: Your vote is your voice—make it count!
