[VT – Philadelphia] May 16, 2025 – Kia Ghee, former Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) and a seasoned attorney, is running for Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Dedicated to advancing equal access to justice for all Philadelphians, Ghee is one of several candidates on the ballot for the upcoming Democratic primary on May 20.
Background and Education
Kia Ghee was born and raised in West Oak Lane, a working-class neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia that was deeply affected by the crack epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite adversity, she graduated early from a magnet high school, completed her undergraduate degree in just three and a half years, earned a master’s degree in public health, and later obtained her law degree.
Ghee earned her bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, a master’s in public health from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, and a Juris Doctor from Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law in Philadelphia.
Legal and Public Service Career
Before becoming an attorney, Ghee spent 12 years managing multimillion-dollar budgets for nonprofit and community programs, including Early Head Start and Head Start. Her work provided equitable access to education, healthcare, and community resources. She led a staff of over 50 and organized health and employment fairs throughout the city.
From June 2021 to January 2025, Ghee served as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, leading the city’s official civil rights agency. Under her leadership, the Commission launched transformative initiatives including the PUSH (People United Stand Against Hate) workshop series, the Youth Ambassador Program, the Social Justice Awards, and co-sponsored the “Put Them Jawns Down” gun violence prevention summit.
Previously, Ghee worked in the City of Philadelphia Law Department as an Assistant and later Deputy City Solicitor, where she litigated labor and employment cases in federal, state, and administrative courts. In a major jury trial, she successfully defended the city in a case challenging the mayor’s diversity initiative—saving Philadelphia taxpayers nearly $2.7 million.
Policy Platform
Ghee’s campaign is rooted in a lifelong commitment to fairness, justice, and public service. As a judicial candidate, she vows to ensure equal access to justice for all residents of Philadelphia. “I’ve spent my life working for communities like yours and mine—making sure that people without a voice have someone to speak up for them,” Ghee told VisibleTogether.
She emphasizes the importance of a fair and transparent legal system and aims to bring both her legal expertise and life experience to the bench to deliver decisions grounded in honesty and equity.
Party Affiliation and Endorsements
Kia Ghee is running as a Democrat and has been officially endorsed by the Philadelphia Democratic Party and recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Ballot Information
Kia Ghee will appear on the Democratic primary ballot for the Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. If you vote by machine, her ballot number is #12.
