[VT – Philadelphia] May 15, 2025 — Philadelphia is heading into a pivotal municipal and judicial primary election. On Tuesday, May 20, voters across the city will head to the polls to nominate Democratic and Republican candidates for several important offices. This election will not only shape the city’s leadership but could also have a significant impact on Pennsylvania’s judicial and political landscape.
Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is May 13, while voter registration closed on May 5. The City Commissioners urge voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates and ballot items ahead of time to make informed decisions.
Below is a summary of the major offices on the ballot, including their responsibilities and the candidates running:
🏛️ Judicial Offices
■ Judge of the Superior Court
The Pennsylvania Superior Court is one of the state’s two intermediate appellate courts, responsible for hearing criminal and civil appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas. It serves as the final stop for many cases before reaching the PA Supreme Court. Panels of three judges typically hear cases and travel across the state to ensure judicial accessibility.
1 seat open
Candidates:
- Democratic: Brandon Neuman [1]
- Republican: Maria Battista [101], Ann Marie Wheatcraft [102]
■ Judge of the Commonwealth Court
This court handles cases involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies. It also serves as a trial court for lawsuits in which the Commonwealth is a party. Judges serve 10-year terms. The current composition includes 3 Democrats, 5 Republicans, and 1 vacancy. Recent high-profile rulings include a declaration that PA’s school funding system is unconstitutional and upholding the state’s Medicaid abortion coverage ban.
1 seat open
Candidates:
- Democratic: Stella Tsai [2]
- Republican: Matt Wolford [103], Josh Prince [104]
■ Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
This is Pennsylvania’s primary trial court, covering a wide range of civil and criminal matters including family law, juvenile justice, and serious offenses. It operates across 60 judicial districts and plays a central role in everyday legal matters.
Philadelphia voters may select up to 9 candidates
Democratic candidates:
Will Braveman [3]
Leon A. King II [5]
Larry Farnese [6]
Brian Kisielewski [7]
Irina Ehrlich [8]
Anthony Stefanski [9]
Deborah Watson-Stokes [10]
Sarah Jones [11]
Kia Ghee [12]
Taniesha Henry [13]
Republican: No candidates filed
■ Judge of the Municipal Court
Philadelphia’s Municipal Court handles eviction cases, small claims (up to $12,000), and minor criminal offenses. As the most local level of the judiciary, it is often residents’ first contact with the court system.
3 seats open
Democratic candidates (vote for up to 3):
Sherrie Cohen [14]
Amanda Davidson [15]
Cortez Patton [16]
Qawi Abdul-Rahman [17]
Shawn Page [19]
Republican: No candidates filed
⚖️ Citywide Offices
■ District Attorney
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) prosecutes approximately 40,000 criminal cases per year. The DA holds significant discretionary power — including decisions to charge or dismiss cases, seek harsher sentences, or pursue the death penalty. The DA’s philosophy and policies directly shape the city’s approach to criminal justice.
Democratic candidates (vote for 1):
Pat Dugan [20]
Larry Krasner (Incumbent) [21]
Republican: No candidates filed
■ City Controller
The City Controller serves as Philadelphia’s financial watchdog — auditing city departments, co-signing on invoices, and investigating inefficiencies or corruption. Though the office does not have enforcement power, its investigations often spark public scrutiny and political accountability.
1 seat open
Candidates:
- Democratic: Christy Brady [22]
- Republican: Ari Patrinos [105]
🗳️ Election & Voting Information
- Voter Registration Deadline: May 5, 2025
- Mail-In Ballot Application Deadline: May 13, 2025
- In-Person Voting: Tuesday, May 20, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Mail-In Ballot Distribution: Usually sent about one month before the election to those who applied
Voters will also elect Judges of Election and Inspectors of Election by ward and division, who will be responsible for managing polling places in future elections.
This election is not only about choosing names on a ballot — it will shape Philadelphia’s judicial integrity, fiscal oversight, and criminal justice priorities for years to come. Every vote counts in deciding the future of the city.
- This page will be continuously updated until Election Day on May 20, 2025.
