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Pennsylvania just say no

 Overview of Pennsylvania's 2025 Judicial ElectionsPennsylvania's judicial elections on November 4, 2025, involve three key statewide appellate courts: the Supreme Court (court of last resort), the Superior Court (handles most criminal, family, and civil appeals), and the Commonwealth Court (focuses on state government, elections, and regulatory cases). The "three judges positions" in your query likely refer to the open seats on the Superior and Commonwealth Courts (one each, for contested partisan elections) plus one of the three Supreme Court retention votes (yes/no for incumbents). However, the Supreme Court races are nonpartisan retentions with no new candidates running—Republicans are campaigning for "no" votes to force open seats in 2027.No truly independent (unaffiliated) candidates are running for these positions; third-party involvement is limited to the Liberal Party (formerly Keystone Party) on the Superior Court. All candidates are partisan. Primaries were held May 20, 2025, and nominees are set. The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) rates candidates on qualifications (Highly Recommended, Recommended, Not Recommended).Below, I summarize potential Republican or independent/third-party candidates for the contested races. For Supreme Court, see the retention note at the end.1. Superior Court (One Open Seat)This vacancy stems from Judge Daniel McCaffery's (D) 2023 promotion to the Supreme Court. The court currently has an 8-6 Democratic majority. Three candidates are running.Candidate

Party/Affiliation

Background

PBA Rating

Key Notes

Maria Battista

Republican

Clarion County resident; president of Judge Government Services (consulting firm); former assistant general counsel for PA Departments of Health and State (under GOP Gov. Tom Corbett and Dem Gov. Tom Wolf); prosecutor in Venango and Franklin Counties; contract specialist for U.S. Department of Defense. Unsuccessful 2023 Superior Court run.

Highly Recommended

Won GOP primary over Ann Marie Wheatcraft (president judge, Chester County Court of Common Pleas). Emphasizes bipartisan experience in health and state government. Campaign focuses on fair, impartial rulings.

Daniel Wassmer

Liberal Party (third-party)

Attorney and instructor; perennial candidate (ran as Keystone/Liberal for U.S. Senate 2022, PA Attorney General 2020). Advocates for ranked-choice voting and election reform.

Not Rated (third-party)

No primary needed; self-nominated. Positions himself as a "good-government" outsider critical of major parties' control over elections. Low fundraising; symbolic run.

Democratic Opponent: Brandon Neuman (Washington County Court of Common Pleas judge; former state Rep.; Highly Recommended).

Outlook: Battista is the GOP's endorsed candidate, with strong party support. Wassmer's bid is unlikely to impact the race significantly.

2. Commonwealth Court (One Open Seat)This vacancy is due to Judge Ellen Ceisler's (D) January 2025 retirement. The court has a 5-3 Republican majority. Two major-party candidates are running.Candidate

Party/Affiliation

Background

PBA Rating

Key Notes

Matthew Wolford

Republican

Erie-based solo practitioner specializing in environmental law; former assistant/regional counsel for PA Department of Environmental Protection; represents clients in regulatory challenges (e.g., oil/gas, manufacturers, farmers).

Highly Recommended

Won GOP primary over Joshua Prince (Berks County attorney focused on gun rights; Not Recommended). Endorsed by PA GOP; emphasizes defending against "government overreach" in regulations and elections.

Democratic Opponent: Stella Tsai (Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas judge; Highly Recommended; former Asian Pacific American Bar Association president; focuses on civil rights).

Outlook: As the incumbent majority party, Republicans view Wolford as a strong favorite to maintain their edge. No third-party challengers.

3. Supreme Court (Three Retention Votes)No new candidates are running—voters decide yes/no on retaining incumbents for another 10-year term (nonpartisan ballot section). All three are Democrats elected in 2015, part of the 5-2 Democratic majority. If unseated, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) appoints temporary replacements (subject to GOP-controlled Senate approval), leading to 2027 partisan elections. Republicans (via groups like the Republican State Leadership Committee and activist Scott Presler) are aggressively campaigning "no" on all three, citing rulings on mail voting, redistricting, and COVID policies as "partisan." Democrats (DNC, ACLU-PA) are countering with "yes" ads emphasizing judicial independence.Incumbent

Party (Original Election)

Background

PBA Rating

GOP "No" Campaign Focus

Christine Donohue

Democrat

Northeast PA native; Duquesne Law (1980); former Superior Court judge (2008–2015); authored key decisions upholding no-excuse mail voting (Act 77).

Recommended for Retention

Blamed for "election chaos" via voting rights rulings.

Kevin Dougherty

Democrat

Philadelphia-based; former Court of Common Pleas judge; focused on criminal/family cases; supported redistricting reforms against gerrymanders.

Recommended for Retention

Targeted for COVID lockdown decisions and mail ballot extensions.

David Wecht

Democrat

Allegheny County; former Superior Court judge (2012–2015); adjunct professor at Duquesne Law; advocated ethics reforms.

Recommended for Retention

Criticized for "Democratic interests" in redistricting and pandemic cases.

No Republican or Independent Challengers: Retention format precludes them. Only one PA Supreme Court justice has ever lost retention (Russell Nigro in 2005 over a pay scandal). GOP spending (~$85K+ on ads as of Sept. 2025) aims to flip the court; Dems are matching with millions.

Outlook: High turnout expected due to national attention (implications for 2028 presidential race/redistricting). Retention historically succeeds (~80%+ yes), but this is the most contested ever.

These races could shift court balances on issues like elections and abortion. For local Common Pleas races or full ballots, check your county's election board. Voter registration deadline: Oct. 20, 2025. If this isn't the "three positions" you meant, provide more details!

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