Pennsylvania voters in Philadelphia and across the state are heading to the polls in a high-stakes 2025 election with national consequences. The most closely watched races include retention votes for three Democratic Supreme Court justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—whose future will impact the court’s ideological balance, recent rulings, and statewide law for a decade to come.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Vote Dominates Key 2025 Election
Supreme Court Retention and Philly Turnout
Voters will decide whether to retain the three incumbent Supreme Court justices, with President Donald Trump and local Republican leaders urging a “no” vote to create vacancies for partisan elections. National groups have flooded the race with money and media attention, while Democrats stress that keeping these judges protects abortion rights, union protections, and voting access. Some warn that if all three are ousted, the state could face years of court deadlock and legal gridlock.
Additional Races and Community Impact
Beyond the court races, Philadelphians are voting for District Attorney and city controller, along with several local judges and school board members. Election officials and community leaders hope to see turnout exceed 20%, which is above average for municipal cycles but below presidential election levels. Local political groups and civic organizations are deploying resources to educate voters and boost engagement, especially in neighborhoods where the impact of these races will be felt most.
What’s at Stake for Pennsylvania
The retention races, usually nonpartisan and under-the-radar, have attracted extraordinary attention for their implications in the state’s ongoing “red vs. blue” political battles. Should the justices be removed, Republicans may have a rare opportunity to reshape the court in November 2027. Democratic leaders warn this could affect district maps, election laws, and protections for Philadelphia and other blue cities.