by As Pennsylvania heads into the primary elections, voters will have the opportunity to decide on key judicial races. Here’s an overview of the candidates running for judicial positions in Pennsylvania’s Superior Court and Commonwealth Court. These courts play a critical role in shaping legal decisions and maintaining fairness across the state.
Pennsylvania Judge of the Superior Court: Candidates Overview
The Pennsylvania Superior Court serves as one of the state’s two intermediate appellate courts, reviewing most civil and criminal cases appealed from the 67 county courts. The court is made up of 15 judges and typically handles appeals involving criminal, civil, family, and veteran’s cases. Judges serve a term of 10 years with a salary of $247,188.
Brandon Neuman (Democratic Party)
- County: Washington
- Occupation: Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
- Education: University of Richmond (BA), Duquesne University Kline School of Law (JD)
- Experience: 8 years as a judge presiding over family, civil, criminal, and veteran’s courts. Former legislator and trial lawyer.
- Campaign Website: judgeneuman.com
Why Brandon Neuman Seeks to Serve as Superior Court Judge:
Brandon Neuman brings a wealth of experience to the Superior Court. As a current judge with a diverse background in criminal, civil, and family law, Neuman is committed to ensuring fair and impartial rulings. His experience also includes writing laws to protect victims of sexual assault.
Maria Battista (Republican Party)
- County: Clarion
- Occupation: Executive/Attorney
- Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, M.Ed., JD
- Experience: Over 15 years of experience in civil, criminal, and administrative law. Former Assistant District Attorney and Administrative Hearing Officer.
- Campaign Website: battistaforjudge.com
Why Maria Battista Seeks to Serve as Superior Court Judge:
Battista’s passion for the judicial system stems from her legal work, including issuing administrative decisions that impacted lives. She is committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that justice is served impartially.
Ann Marie Wheatcraft (Republican Party)
- County: Chester
- Occupation: Judge, Court of Common Pleas
- Education: JD from University of NH School of Law
- Experience: President Judge in Chester County, with over 25 years of service. Wheatcraft has extensive experience in criminal, civil, family, and treatment courts.
- Campaign Website: judgewheatcraftforpa.com
Why Ann Marie Wheatcraft Seeks to Serve as Superior Court Judge:
Wheatcraft’s extensive trial experience, combined with her leadership in Chester County courts, makes her a strong candidate for the appellate court. Her approach focuses on fairness, collaboration, and efficient court processes.
Pennsylvania Judge of the Commonwealth Court: Candidates Overview
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court hears appeals on matters related to state and local government issues, such as banking, insurance, utility regulation, and election laws. Judges on the Commonwealth Court serve 10-year terms and also receive a salary of $247,188.
Stella Tsai (Democratic Party)
- County: Philadelphia
- Occupation: Judge, Court of Common Pleas
- Education: B.A. from Pennsylvania State University, JD from University of Pennsylvania
- Experience: Over 35 years of experience in law and the judiciary.
- Campaign Website: stellaforjudge.com
Why Stella Tsai Seeks to Serve as Commonwealth Court Judge:
Tsai has spent eight years as a judge and now seeks to bring her expertise to the Commonwealth Court. She is committed to addressing critical issues such as public education, workers’ rights, and fair elections.
Matt Wolford (Republican Party)
- County: Erie
- Occupation: Attorney
- Education: JD from Temple University School of Law
- Experience: Over 38 years of experience, including hearings and appeals before the Commonwealth Court.
- Campaign Website: mattwolfordforjudge.com
Why Matt Wolford Seeks to Serve as Commonwealth Court Judge:
Wolford is dedicated to protecting the rights of Pennsylvanians by ensuring that government powers do not infringe on personal freedoms. He advocates for a conservative approach to the Commonwealth Court, ensuring fairness and constitutional integrity.
Josh Prince (Republican Party)
- County: Berks
- Occupation: Attorney
- Education: JD
- Experience: Extensive experience litigating constitutional and civil rights cases, including appeals before the PA Supreme Court and Commonwealth Court.
- Campaign Website: princeforjustice.com
Why Josh Prince Seeks to Serve as Commonwealth Court Judge:
Prince has a long history of defending civil rights and upholding the law as written. He is committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania’s legal system serves all its citizens fairly.
Conclusion
These candidates bring diverse legal backgrounds and experience to the table, each vying for a spot on Pennsylvania’s appellate courts. As voters head to the polls, it is essential to consider each candidate’s qualifications and vision for fair and impartial justice.
