These Pennsylvania court races are usually sleepy. This year, they're drawing millions in spending.

Three state Supreme Court justices are on the ballot in Pennsylvania next month in a typically under-the-radar vote that could have far-reaching implications in the critical battleground state.

The justices — Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht, who are all backed by Democratic Party — are facing an up-or-down “retention” election, meaning voters choose whether to keep them on the court for another 10 years.

Few Pennsylvania justices have lost their jobs in this way. But with Democrats’ 5-2 Supreme Court majority at stake ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections, this year’s retention vote is drawing big money and attention. If all three justices were to lose, Pennsylvania’s high court could be deadlocked 2-2 through the end of 2027.

“This is without question the most important retention election in Pennsylvania history,” said Eugene DePasquale, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. “Reproductive freedom, free and fair elections, quality education, and a clean environment — they are all in the ballot.”


https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/pennsylvania-court-races-are-usually-sleepy-year-drawing-millions-spen-rcna236172