High-Stakes Retention Election Looms for Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices
As Pennsylvania gears up for its 2023 general elections, all eyes are on three Democratic Supreme Court Justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—who face retention votes. Unlike other states where judges are appointed or run under party affiliations, Pennsylvania uniquely elects all its judges, leading to a distinct political battleground for judicial positions.
This year, voters will decide whether to re-elect the justices, who initially ascended to the court in 2015. If retained, they will serve an additional 10-year term; however, Justice Donohue is set to reach the state’s mandatory retirement age of 75 in just two years, making her retention a precarious situation. The justices’ previous election successes were bolstered by strong party support and funding, raising questions about their fate amid a changing political landscape.
Pennsylvania’s judicial retention process requires judges to run against themselves, as voters simply choose “Yes” or “No” to their continued service. If a judge fails to secure a “Yes” vote, they are out by year’s end. This year’s retention election is particularly significant for Republicans, who view it as an opportunity to potentially reshape the current 5-2 Democratic majority in the State Supreme Court.
Expect a barrage of campaign ads targeting these justices, as Republicans will likely rally around the straightforward message of "No." This retention election not only holds implications for state politics but also places Pennsylvania in the national spotlight, amid an ongoing discussion regarding judicial impartiality and party influence in the legal system. The outcome could alter Pennsylvania’s judicial landscape for years to come, setting the tone for future elections.
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