2025 Statewide Democratic Candidates

Justice Christine Donohue was elected to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania after serving for eight years on Superior Court. A civil trial lawyer for 27 years, she was listed in Best Lawyers in America, designated a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, as one of Pennsylvania’s “Women Leaders in the Legal Profession,” and winner of 2023’s Judge Robert E. Dauer Award for Judicial Leadership & Excellence. She spearheaded an effort by trial judges and lawyers to afford young lawyers opportunities to gain courtroom experience, especially presenting cases to civil juries, known as Project LITIGATE. A former judge on the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline, she taught ethics for attorneys at her alma mater, Duquesne University School of Law and is a frequent lecturer at seminars about appellate practice and judicial ethics.

Justice Kevin Dougherty was elected to PA’s Supreme Court in 2015, after serving on Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas since 2001. Appointed Administrative Judge of Philadelphia’s Family Court in 2005, he became the longest serving Administrative Judge in Philadelphia history. As such, he initiated numerous diversionary programs benefiting the city’s most vulnerable children. In 2014, he was reassigned to the Trial Division, running the largest court system in Pennsylvania. PA has 117 Problem Solving Courts dedicated to helping children and families resolve their legal issues constructively. Justice Dougherty works to make the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania a model for the country when it comes to access to justice, alternative sentencing, transparency within the court system, and keeping an open dialogue between the various stakeholders.

David Wecht was elected to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 2015, following four years on Superior Court and nine years on Allegheny County’s Court of Common Pleas. He served there in the Family Division, handling domestic relations cases and juvenile cases. As Administrative Judge, he made the system less cumbersome for families under stress. Prior to taking the bench, he was twice elected as the Allegheny County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court. His innovations included creation of a free will consultation program for seniors and authorship of a state law preventing accused murderers from controlling their victims’ estates. A widely published author, he is in high demand as a speaker to law students, lawyers, judges, and community groups, nationally and internationally.

Alice Beck Dubow says, “For the past nine years, I have reviewed countless criminal convictions, child custody decisions, orders regarding juveniles, civil verdicts and orders about wills. My guiding principles are twofold: first, to follow the existing law and second, when I can to interpret the law, to show a sensitivity to the impact that the law has on the individuals involved, the neighborhoods affected, and the communities impacted. I hope to carry this sensitivity to more appeals in the next ten years.”

Judge Michael Wojcik was elected to Commonwealth Court in 2015. Before being elected, he was in private practice for over 26 years. He also served as Solicitor to the Allegheny County Controller, as Allegheny County Solicitor, and as Solicitor to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. He has experience in municipal law, tax and assessment law, election law, civil rights, and personal injury, and managed the second largest municipal law department in the Commonwealth. Judge Wojcik earned the rank of Eagle Scout and remains active in the Boy Scouts of America.

Judge Neuman is a former State Rep. who was instrumental in passing the bill that helped end the backlog of testing rape kits. As a judge, he leads the Veteran’s Court in his county, making sure our vets receive the support they need to stay on the right track. Because he serves in a smaller county, he has presided over every type of case that comes before the Superior Court.

Born in Harrisburg to immigrant parents who came to PA seeking political and personal freedom, Judge Tsai has a deep appreciation for democracy and the rule of law. Her 35 year career in the law is notable for her commitment to fairness in the administration of justice. She staunchly advocates for justice for all, especially for those who are most vulnerable and in need of representation.