Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Elections Draw $7 Million in High-Stakes Voting

The upcoming Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention elections have attracted unprecedented attention and funding, with Republicans aiming to unseat three Democratic justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—who currently contribute to a 5-2 Democratic majority on the court. These retention elections, typically low-profile, have become highly partisan and expensive, with state and national groups spending around $7 million to influence the outcomes through independent expenditures and advertising campaigns. If voters reject any of the justices, their seats will become vacant, potentially leading to a 4-4 split on the court, as Governor Josh Shapiro's appointments to fill vacancies may be blocked by the GOP-controlled Senate. Supporters of the justices argue that judicial retention elections should not involve political campaigns or significant fundraising, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence. The elections coincide with other significant state and municipal races, highlighting their broader political implications. The retention votes will determine if the justices serve another 10-year term, with Donohue required to retire in 2027 due to mandatory age limits.