PA 2025 Judicial Retention Election: Why It Matters

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With about a month to go before Pennsylvanians head to the polls, there is great concern about judicial votes to retain three Democratic Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht and the courts’ role in protecting or restricting access to abortion, prenatal care, and other medical rights.

Pennsylvanians will face a ballot “Yes” or “No” question about whether these judges should remain on the bench for another ten years that could reshape the future of the state with far-reaching impact on the medical rights of its residents. Why is this year’s PA judicial retention election so important?

Historically, in a typical election most judges are voted to retain their seats on the bench for another ten years without controversy. But this current election cycle, Republications are mounting huge “Vote No” campaigns against the three Democratic judges. If the three judges do not retain their seats on the bench, it creates a vacancy that would tip the balance of power on the Pennsylvanian court.

The PA Supreme Court has been a safeguard protecting the rights of residents when rights are under attack or there is a deadlock in Harrisburg. If Pennsylvania fails to have an independent and fair court, the people’s lives will be destabilized. The PA Supreme Court allowed the fair and equitable education funding to move forward and declared school funding in Pennsylvania unconstitutional and unethical. PA voters should understand the critical importance of this year’s judicial retention vote and what is at stake for Pennsylvania. Without a Supreme Court that is committed to upholding justice for all Pennsylvanians, the gains so far will disappear into thin air.

We can all play a role in protecting our rights and our Democracy by voting “Yes” to retain the three judges for another ten years. Be a part of history in the making and vote to retain Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht because the risk of losing our reproductive and other rights is too formidable when it comes to our health. The retention of the three judges is more than politics. This judicial retention election has direct implications to our daily lives, and our freedom.

It is about protecting our medical rights, our health, and wellbeing, and this can be a question of life-or-death decision for Pennsylvanians. The PA Supreme Court is the last line of defense in cases with potential serious impact on Pennsylvanians. For detailed information about the PA Judicial Retention Election and three judges click on the link: Children First Action Fund 2025 Judicial Voter Guide.

Dr. Bernadine Ahonkhai

Author, Education & Social Justice Consultant

Lower Gwynedd, PA