Current Judicial Ratings
Supreme Court
Justice Christine Donohue Rating: Recommended for Retention
The candidate is in her tenth year of service on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and before that time, she served eight years on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Justice Donohue has distinguished her Supreme Court tenure as a jurist who is thorough and well-prepared for oral arguments, treats litigants respectfully, is smart and fair, and is attentive and engaged during oral arguments. The candidate is well-qualified, is of impeccable character, and possesses a fine judicial temperament that is well suited for the Supreme Court. For these reasons, the Commission recommends the candidate’s retention as a judge on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
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Justice Kevin Dougherty Rating: Recommended for Retention
Justice Dougherty served as a judge on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 2001 until 2015 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The attorneys who appeared before Justice Dougherty describe him as attentive, smart, well prepared, open to consideration of differing perspectives with a temperament and demeanor that is respectful and professional. He writes opinions that are thoughtful, clear, concise and well organized. Justice Dougherty has earned high marks from the legal community for his efforts to assist the Court in addressing a broad range of complex legal issues, including matters of first impression. He is devoted to community service, promotes support for youth and promotes excellence and diversity in law enforcement. For these reasons, the Commission recommends the candidate’s retention as a judge on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
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Justice David Wecht Rating: Recommended for Retention
Following nine years as a Court of Common Pleas trial judge the candidate served four years as a Superior Court judge before his election to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania where he is now in his tenth year. The candidate gives careful consideration to oral arguments, and discharges his duties as a justice with fairness, equity, and respect to all. His opinions are well written and logical, often viewed as helpful and instructive. Justice Wecht possesses the legal ability, experience, integrity, intelligence, and work ethic to continue performing the duties of a Supreme Court Justice, and his judicial temperament is above reproach. Finally, the candidate serves on a number of committees for the courts, participates in continuing education panels for attorneys and remains active with various bar associations. For these reasons, the Commission recommends the candidate’s retention as a judge on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Superior Court
Judge Brandon Neuman
Rating: Highly Recommended
Since January 1, 2018, the candidate has served as a Common Pleas Court judge and has presided over family law, criminal and civil cases in both jury and non-jury proceedings. The candidate is also involved with the Veterans specialty court in his county and is taking over the program. Prior to his tenure as a Common Pleas judge, the candidate worked under a law firm partner who described the candidate as an extremely hard worker and an excellent attorney. He served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for terms beginning in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 and, while serving as a Representative, he continued his legal work on a part-time basis. The candidate's opinions demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural legal issues and the ability to provide good factual backgrounds and well-developed legal arguments. His colleagues indicate the candidate has a high level of integrity, treats all individuals fairly, has appropriate judicial temperament, is patient with all persons who appear before him and has a record of involvement in community service. Based on the candidate's experience as a practicing attorney, his service in the House of Representatives and his diversified experience as a Common Pleas judge, the commission highly recommends the candidate for election to the Superior Court.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Judge Alice Dubow Rating: Recommended for Retention
The candidate has served as a judge on the Superior Court since 2016. Prior to that, she was a judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County. She is recognized for her excellent judicial temperament, being well prepared and showing respect and fairness toward lawyers who appear before her. The candidate’s opinions are thorough, thoughtful, well-reasoned and well-researched. She engages in activities to advance the profession of law, including the American Law Institute, Judicial Conduct Board, and Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee of the Supreme Court. She serves on the board of the Stoneleigh Foundation, a foundation dedicated to the improvement of the community’s youth. Judge Dubow has clearly demonstrated all the qualities necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of an appellate judge. For these reasons, the Commission recommends the candidate’s retention as a judge on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania
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Maria Battista
Not Recommended (for failure to participate)
Candidates who did not advance to the November 4, 2025 ballot:
Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft
Rating: Highly Recommended
The candidate is an experienced jurist known for her high degree of professionalism, good judicial temperament, excellent character, and undisputed integrity. The candidate was a solo practitioner before becoming an assistant district attorney for over ten years. She has served as a common pleas court judge since 2012 and as a trial judge presided over hundreds of cases including criminal and civil cases, jury trials and bench trials. Her opinions are organized, thorough and well-reasoned. The candidate has taken great strides to improve the quality of justice in Chester County. She was involved in the creation and development of treatment courts in Chester County and worked tirelessly for the introduction of comfort dogs in the courtroom. A demonstration of the high regard her colleagues have for her is that she was elected president judge, in 2025. Not only does she volunteer in the community as a board member for several non-profit organizations, but she also teaches newly elected judges and serves on several statewide committees. Due to her broad experience as a practicing attorney, proven record of judicial leadership, high ethical standards and dedication to the legal profession, the commission is confident that the candidate would serve with distinction as a Superior Court judge and highly recommends her candidacy.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Commonwealth Court
Judge Stella Tsai
Rating: Highly Recommended
The candidate has a long and diverse legal career. Since 2016, she has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Orphans’ Court and the Civil Trial, Criminal Trial and Family Court divisions. Prior to joining the bench, she had extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts, representing insurance companies in environmental matters, the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission and as outside counsel to the City of Philadelphia in high-profile civil rights litigation. The candidate has handled complex domestic and international litigation in the areas of governmental agency audits, real estate and creditors’ rights, as well as land use matters. Her legal writing is clear, concise and thorough, indicating her grasp of legal issues. She currently is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania. Considered enthusiastic, hard-working and fair, her courtroom demeanor has earned the respect of her colleagues as well as that of the attorneys and litigants who appear before her. The candidate's long history of civic and pro bono activities, and her receipt of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Sandra Day O’Connor award, add depth to her legal career. The commission believes that the candidate would perform admirably as a judge on the Commonwealth Court and highly recommends her candidacy.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Judge Michael Wojcik Rating: Recommended for Retention
The candidate has served on the Commonwealth Court since 2016. His appellate opinions are well-reasoned, concise, and clear. He possesses a diversity of experience and knowledge of legal principles and procedures. The candidate has a reputation for excellent character, judicial temperament, high integrity and firm intellect. He has served as a speaker or panelist for numerous continuing legal education programs to assist judges, lawyers, and law students in their professional development. He has an impressive record of community involvement and is a zealous advocate for many causes related to the betterment of the legal profession. He is intelligent, fair-minded, and objective. He is admired by his colleagues and the attorneys who appear before him. For these reasons, the Commission recommends the candidate’s retention as a judge on the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
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Matthew L. Wolford
Rating: Highly Recommended
For almost 40 years, the candidate has been litigating all aspects of environmental law in both civil and criminal court at the trial and appellate court levels. Between 1987 and 1999, the candidate held positions at the Office of Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection in Philadelphia and Meadville. In those positions, he litigated on behalf of the Commonwealth and supervised Commonwealth Agency offices. Since 1999, he has been engaged in private practice, concentrating in environmental counseling and representing private individuals and legal entities. He is highly regarded for his work ethic, preparation, common sense, fairness, integrity, prompt and efficient performance and legal expertise in the environmental area. His writings are clear and concise. He is considered to be evenly balanced between the needs for development of natural resources and the protection of the environment and the needs for government regulation and protection of individual property rights. He has been an adjunct college professor and a frequent lecturer to both legal and nonlegal organizations. He has been active in the bar association and community organizations. Based upon his intellect and extensive experience in issues that come before the Commonwealth Court, the commission highly recommends his candidacy for Commonwealth Court.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Candidates who did not advance to the November 4, 2025 ballot:
Joshua Prince
Not Recommended (for failure to participate)