Pennsylvania voters have opted to retain three state Supreme Court justices, keeping Democrats’ 5–2 majority on the state’s highest court.
According to NBC News, Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht all survived their retention votes. Dougherty and Wecht secured new 10-year terms, while Donohue will serve until 2027, when she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75.
Judicial retention elections in Pennsylvania are typically quiet affairs, but this year drew intense focus as Democrats fought to defend their majority in a key presidential swing state.
Democrats and allied groups spent heavily — more than $13 million since Oct. 1, compared to $2.8 million on the Republican side. In one ad, the three justices said, “We protected access to abortion. And your right to vote. Even when the powerful came after it.”
Prominent Democrats backed the trio. Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared in an ad urging support, and former President Barack Obama told Pennsylvanians to vote “yes” on retention.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, blasted the justices on Truth Social, urging voters to “Vote ‘NO, NO, NO’ on Liberal Justices Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht.”
The high court has played a pivotal role in recent political battles, including striking down a GOP-drawn congressional map in 2018 and upholding mail-in voting in 2022.
Justice Wecht said he celebrated quietly with family after the results came in. “I’m really honored that the people showed this confidence in me,” he said. “I intend to serve the people with fidelity.”
