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2h ago

DNC Pours Six-Figure Backing Into Pa. Supreme Court Retention Fight

Outside money is flooding rare yes/no retention fights that could alter the court’s majority.

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Overview

  • Voters on Nov. 4 will decide whether Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht receive new 10-year terms in nonpartisan retention elections.
  • The Pennsylvania Supreme Court currently has a 5–2 liberal majority, and if all three justices were rejected Republicans could gain control of the court.
  • The DNC announced a six-figure investment for voter contact, joining a surge of activity from groups including the RSLC, DLCC, ACLU chapters, Commonwealth Partners and Pennsylvanians for Judicial Fairness.
  • If any justice is not retained, Gov. Josh Shapiro can appoint a temporary replacement, subject to Senate confirmation, to serve until the 2027 judicial elections.
  • Conservative organizers, including Scott Presler, are urging no votes over pandemic and mail-in ballot rulings, while backers note the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s retention recommendations and the rarity of defeats in such elections.