Democratic justices have maintained their majority on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court after retaining all three Democratic justices facing retention elections. Voters overwhelmingly chose to keep Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht, ensuring the court continues to hold a 5-2 liberal composition. Governor Josh Shapiro hailed the decision, emphasizing the justices’ role in defending the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights.
The retention races attracted significant attention as state and national groups poured over $15 million into the campaign, highlighting the political importance of the court’s balance. The races were part of a broader effort by Republicans to shift the court’s composition, particularly in response to judges’ rulings that often opposed Trump’s agenda. Despite the high spending and public campaigns, Democrats were able to retain their majority, showing the enduring support for the judges and the Democratic approach to judicial review.
Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the justices, accusing them of ruling in favor of Joe Biden and interfering in the 2020 election. The Republicans’ efforts to depose the judges were part of a larger strategy to influence the court’s decisions on issues like election rules and voting rights. The state’s Supreme Court has been a key battleground in recent election-related litigation, with the justices’ decisions often impacting the outcomes of significant state elections.
While the Supreme Court rejected attempts to remove 2.5 million mail-in ballots from the 2020 election, it also delivered a mixed bag of rulings in the 2024 election, providing some victories and defeats for the GOP. These decisions have further solidified the importance of the state’s highest court in shaping the political and legal landscape of Pennsylvania. As the retention races conclude, the outcome underscores the critical role of judicial elections in shaping the direction of state and national policies.