More than two dozen judges and would-be judges are running (and re-running) to fill benches across our city and state on November 7, 2023. State-level Supreme Court determine Pennsylvania-wide policies and could likely influence PA women’s reproductive rights (including abortion), redistricting (changing who can vote for whom, related to gerrymandering) and gun control, an issue near and dear to thousands of gun violence-impacted Philadelphians.
On the city level, judges are vying for spots on two courts. The Court of Common Pleas sees significant criminal and civil cases, including child custody and juvenile justice. The Philadelphia Municipal Court, where most citizens encounter the judicial system, handles eviction proceedings, small claims and debts up to $12,000.
In other words, the people you vote for on November 7, 2023 will impact our lives in all kinds of ways. Get to know who they are are what they’re about before you fill out your ballot or visit your polling place.
PHILADELPHIA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
STATE SUPREME COURT
In 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court created a new map for congressional districts that drastically changed our congressional partisan makeup. In 2020, the justices upheld Pennsylvania’s law that allows no-excuse mail-in voting. This year, the seven-judge body is weighing whether to overturn a law barring Medicaid from covering abortions — and theirs could be the last word on whether abortions remain legal at all in the state.
On November 7, 2023 PA residents will be voting to fill the open State Supreme Court following the death last year of Chief Justice Max Baer. This year’s election will not change partisan control of the Court; here, Democrats currently hold a 4-2 majority on the seven-member body. However, this year’s election could lay the foundation for an eventual change of partisan power.
In 2015, the Democrats gained control of our State’s highest Court, the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court, by winning three vacant judgeships. Since then, the Supreme Court has been involved in important decisions that have significantly impacted our state and city.
In 2023, there is one open seat for a 10-year term.