[VT – Philadelphia] May 2025 – Sherrie Cohen [14] is a candidate for a seat on the Philadelphia Municipal Court in the May 2025 election. A veteran attorney and longtime social justice advocate, she is known for her steadfast commitment to housing justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and progressive reform.
Background and Education
Sherrie Cohen was born and raised in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia and currently lives there with her partner, Virginia Gutierrez. She graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and received her law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law.
Cohen comes from a family deeply rooted in public service. Her father, David Cohen, served on Philadelphia City Council for 29 years and was known as the “conscience of City Council.” Her mother, Florence Cohen, was a leader in the New Democratic Coalition during the 1960s and 70s and served as her husband’s chief of staff. Her brother, Mark Cohen, served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and is now a judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Career
As an attorney, Cohen has long worked with the Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN), representing low-income tenants facing unfair evictions and housing issues. She played a key role in litigation to prevent the closure of 11 public libraries and was involved in a class-action lawsuit against five major tobacco companies for misleading the public about the dangers of smoking.
Cohen has also served as co-chair of the Civil Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association, co-chair of the Liberty City LGBTQ Democratic Club, and as a Democratic committee person.
A trailblazer in LGBTQ+ activism, Cohen was an early advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In the 1970s, she was a member of the lesbian activist group Dyketactics and took part in various protest actions, including opposing the screening of films that glorified violence against women and pushing for LGBTQ-inclusive education in schools.
During her interview with VT, Sheri Cohen introduced herself as a candidate for Philadelphia Municipal Court, listed as number 14 on the in-person ballot. With a background as a tenant rights attorney and criminal justice advocate, she emphasized that her experience aligns directly with the responsibilities of the court she is running for. Sheri is endorsed by APIA, DA Larry Krasner, and the Working Families Party. She expressed a strong commitment to serving the Asian-American community and asked for voters’ support in the upcoming May 20th election.
Party Affiliation and Endorsements
Sherrie Cohen is a member of the Democratic Party. In her 2025 campaign, she has been endorsed by API PA (Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance), the Working Families Party, and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. These endorsements reflect her broad support among progressive organizations and leaders focused on justice, equity, and inclusion.
Ballot Information
“Sherrie Cohen [14]” will appear on the Democratic Primary Election ballot on May 20, 2025. If you are voting on an electronic voting machine, her ballot number is 14.
