Pennsylvanians retain three Supreme Court Justices
In one of the most-closely watched contests in the country, Pennsylvanians voted to give justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht another 10-year term on the state’s Supreme Court.
Only once in the Commonwealth’s history has a Supreme Court justice not received a new term – Russell Nigro in 2005.
Donohue, Dougherty and Wecht were elected as Democrats in 2015 and faced a retention vote according to Pennsylvania state law. All three received more than 60% “yes” votes across the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro celebrated the victory.
“Tonight, folks across our Commonwealth sent a resounding message by voting to retain all three Supreme Court Justices who will continue to defend the rule of law, safeguard our elections, and protect our constitutional rights.
Here in the birthplace of democracy, the good people of Pennsylvania will always stand for freedom.”
Pennsylvania Democratic Party chair Eugene DePasquale said that the victories showed that Democrats can win back voters.
“On the first election night of the new era of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, the voters of our Commonwealth delivered a resounding message by standing up for our freedoms and rejecting Trump’s chaos.
“In the face of wealthy special interests pushing rampant misinformation and a dangerous agenda, Pennsylvania voters retained all three Supreme Court justices – protecting our freedoms and rejecting MAGA billionaires’ efforts to buy the Court.
“Tonight was a major step in building a Pennsylvania Democratic Party that can win back voters that have been left behind and who are ready to elect leaders who will work every day to get stuff done for them. With the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, the party is committed to building on this momentum and winning all across Pennsylvania in 2026.”
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williamssaid Pennsylvanians sent a clear message to Republicans.
“The DLCC is proud to congratulate Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht on retaining their seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Tonight, Pennsylvanians sent a clear message to Republicans who are trying to take over the judiciary to keep themselves in power: you can’t escape accountability from the voters. From protecting Pennsylvanians’ voices at the ballot box to securing their freedoms and opportunities, we are confident these justices will continue to stand up for working families throughout the rest of their terms.”
Steve Ulrich is managing editor of Politics PA where this article originally appeared.
