The future makeup of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court rests in voters’ hands this November, as three Democratic justices seek retention in elections that could deadlock the state’s highest court.
Pennsylvania will be voting to retain Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht on November 4th, 2025. Currently, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is made up of five Democrats and two Republicans. If the judges are not retained, the balance would likely remain at an even split of two to two until 2027, when the next election would be held.
“As we grow closer to voting age, it is imperative that we are making our own decisions about our beliefs and doing proper research as to not just follow along with the path the world has paved for us,” said Kylie Mullen, president of Hershey High School Young Republicans. Republicans and Democrats alike have both poured money into the campaign, with the Philadelphia Inquirer reporting over $7 million has been spent.
Eight states, including Pennsylvania, have partisan elections for state Supreme Court Justices, where Justices are directly elected and listed with their party affiliation. If retention efforts fail, Democratic Governor Shapiro would have the option to appoint temporary replacements, but precedent suggests that the Republican-controlled state Senate would not approve them.
“I’m proud to serve as an elected Justice, and to serve with the confidence and authority of Pennsylvania’s voters, rather than by appointment of one person,” said candidate David Wecht, to a reporter for WESA, a subsidiary of National Public Radio.
Justices are expected to follow judicial precedent and constitutionality when making decisions, but partisan conflicts often determine their interpretation in nuanced cases. However, all three justices have highlighted their commitment to transcend partisan divides in their rulings.
Candidate Christine Donohue, in a questionnaire for the Pennsylvania Bar Association, said, “The independence of the judiciary is critical to the functioning of our system of government, and it is the beacon that lights my way as I perform my duties as a justice.”
All three justices are recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Independent Commission on Judicial Evaluation, a non-partisan organization that highlighted the justices’ strong qualifications and consideration for differing perspectives.
Gibson O’Mealy, chair of the High School Democrats of Pennsylvania, said “The judges you can retain symbolize a better way of life: funding schools, keeping women in charge of their bodies, and protecting our environment.” Over the past few weeks, O’Mealy has spoken on a panel with Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Shasti Conrad to mobilize key voters and partnered with Turn PA Blue to hold several phone banks to encourage people to get out and vote.
Pennsylvania is one of only five states holding statewide elections this year. In addition to Supreme Court retention races, there are elections for the Commonwealth Court and Superior Court, Pennsylvania’s intermediate appellate courts, and local elections for positions such as Township Supervisor and Inspector of Elections.
“It is super important that all high school students educate themselves in the upcoming elections,” said Mullen. Both O’Mealy and Mullen highlighted the importance of high school students remaining civically engaged.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th, and polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other positions on the ballot are new judges for the Commonwealth Court and Superior Court of Pennsylvania, as well as local officials such as the Derry Township Supervisor.
“You’re probably unsatisfied with the state of our country. Stand up for yourself on November 4th,” said O’Mealy. Students who are at least 17 years old can volunteer to be a student poll worker on election day.
Nearby polling stations include the Lower Dauphin Fieldhouse and the Brownstone Masonic Lodge, or you can also find your nearest location through the Pennsylvania Department of State.
