If you were looking for a political earthquake in Pennsylvania this past November, you probably felt a bit of a tremor instead of a full-blown tectonic shift. But honestly? That’s exactly why the PA election results 2025 are so fascinating. While the rest of the country was staring at the New Jersey and Virginia governor races, Pennsylvania was quietly deciding the future of its legal system. And the results weren't just a "business as usual" moment; they were a massive signal about how much power the courts actually hold in our daily lives.
People usually ignore "off-year" elections. They think, "Oh, it's just local stuff." But 2025 was different. We had three Supreme Court justices up for retention, two open seats on the intermediate appellate courts, and high-stakes mayoral races in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Basically, the keys to the Commonwealth's legal and executive branches were on the table.
The Supreme Court Retention: A Failed Ouster?
The biggest headline from the PA election results 2025 was undoubtedly the survival of the "Big Three." Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—all Democrats—faced a concerted effort by Republican groups and even President Donald Trump to get them booted.
In Pennsylvania, we don't just re-elect judges; we vote "Yes" or "No" on whether they should stay for another ten years. It’s usually a snooze-fest. But this time, millions of dollars poured into "No" campaigns. The goal? Flip the 5-2 Democratic majority on the state’s highest court.
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It didn't work.
All three justices were retained with roughly 62% of the vote. That’s a huge margin. It tells us that despite the polarized climate, PA voters are still hesitant to use the retention process as a partisan weapon.
Why the Appellate Wins Matter More Than You Think
While the Supreme Court grabbed the eyes, the wins by Stella Tsai and Brandon Neuman are arguably just as important for the "ground game" of PA law.
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- Stella Tsai (D) defeated Republican Matt Wolford for a seat on the Commonwealth Court. If you’ve ever wondered who handles cases involving state agencies or election law disputes, it's these folks. Tsai’s background in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas gave her a serious edge in name recognition and fundraising.
- Brandon Neuman (D) secured a seat on the Superior Court, beating Republican Maria Battista and Liberal candidate Daniel Wassmer. Neuman, a former state representative and judge from Washington County, basically locked in a Democratic hold on a court that handles the vast majority of criminal and civil appeals in the state.
These aren't just names on a ballot. These judges will be making decisions on everything from environmental regulations to how your local mail-in ballots are counted for the next decade.
Mayors, Sheriffs, and History in the Suburbs
The PA election results 2025 also showed some pretty wild shifts in local leadership. In Pittsburgh, we saw a major change of guard. Corey O’Connor—son of the legendary former mayor Bob O’Connor—comfortably defeated Tony Moreno. O'Connor had already knocked out the incumbent, Ed Gainey, in a primary upset that signaled a desire for a different flavor of progressivism in the Steel City.
Down in the Philly suburbs, Downingtown made history. They elected Erica Deuso, the first openly transgender mayor in Pennsylvania’s history. It’s a small town, sure, but it’s a big deal. It shows how the "Blue Wall" in the suburbs isn't just about party ID anymore; it's about a shifting cultural landscape.
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Then you've got the row offices. In Bucks County, Joe Khan won his bid for District Attorney, and Danny Ceisler pulled off an upset in the Sheriff’s race. For years, Bucks was the "purple" holdout, but the 2025 data suggests it’s leaning further into the Democratic column, even in an off-off-year.
The Numbers: Turnout and Trends
Let’s talk turkey. Turnout was weirdly high. In the Philly suburbs, we saw some of the highest off-year participation since 2011. About 34% of registered voters showed up in Philadelphia itself. That might sound low compared to a Presidential year, but for a municipal election? It’s a blowout.
The GOP struggled in the areas they needed most. While they held onto many rural supervisor seats and school boards in the "T" (the middle of the state), the suburban erosion continued.
What This Means for Your Next Move
The PA election results 2025 aren't just history; they are a roadmap for 2026. If you’re a resident or an advocate, there are a few things you should be doing right now to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Commonwealth Court: Now that Stella Tsai is on the bench, keep an eye on cases involving the "Right to Know" law and state agency overreach. This court is where the government meets the people.
- School Board Implementation: Many districts, like North Allegheny and Central Bucks, saw "Together for PR" and other slate shifts. If you have kids in these districts, attend the next three meetings. The new majorities are going to be setting curriculum and book policies immediately.
- Prep for the 2026 Gubernatorial Cycle: The 2025 results show that the Democratic infrastructure in the suburbs is humming. If you're involved in local GOP organizing, the focus has to shift from "national grievances" to "local deliverables" to win back the Philly collar counties.
Honestly, the biggest takeaway is that Pennsylvania remains the ultimate swing state, but the "swing" happens in the courts just as much as the ballot box.