Overview
- Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht kept their seats with about 62% support in a rare, high-profile retention election.
- Pro‑retention forces outspent opponents roughly 4‑to‑1 in a contest that topped $15 million, with Democratic‑aligned unions and trial lawyers countering a push backed by Commonwealth Partners tied to Jeff Yass.
- Turnout reached roughly 40% statewide and nearly 45% in Allegheny County, as attention from national figures, including President Donald Trump and Barack Obama, elevated the race.
- Despite the statewide win, majorities in 41 of 67 counties voted against retention, though 25 counties backed the justices, including 16 that supported Trump in 2024.
- Democrats also captured two open seats on the intermediate appellate courts and gained a seat on Allegheny County Council, results analysts linked to energized Democratic voters and targeted messaging.