Josh Shapiro’s Bold Move in Pennsylvania Court Campaign: What It Means for 2028 | CNN Politics

Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court race is heating up this fall, and it’s drawing a lot of attention. Both parties see it as a big deal for future elections, especially the 2028 presidential race and upcoming midterms.

Governor Josh Shapiro is stepping in, promoting three Democratic justices—Kevin Dougherty, Christine Donohue, and David Wecht—who are up for retention. In an ad launching this week, he warns voters, “the threats to our freedoms are very real.”

In Pennsylvania, justices don’t face direct opponents in retention votes; it’s simply a yes-or-no decision on whether to keep them for another 10 years. Voters are being urged to vote “yes,” with Shapiro emphasizing the justices’ track record on key issues, including abortion rights.

Historically, Pennsylvania has a strong track record of retaining justices. Only one has been voted out in the past two decades. However, both parties understand the stakes here: if any of these justices lose their seats, Democrats could lose their 5-2 majority. This shift would allow Republicans to influence court decisions leading into the next presidential election.

James Markley, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Republican Party, noted, “This November could significantly change the court’s balance.” On the other hand, Eugene DePasquale from the Democratic Party called this race “the most pivotal judicial retention” in Pennsylvania’s history.

Pennsylvania’s court has recently played a crucial role in election-related cases. For instance, in vital rulings around mail-in ballots and signature matching, the Democratic majority favored policies that benefited their party. This judicial influence has made the upcoming election even more critical. A shift in the court could impact future rulings on vital issues, from environmental regulations to education policies.

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta emphasized, “This is the most important race no one is talking about.” As the state gears up for another round of congressional redistricting after the 2020 Census, the court’s composition will be pivotal.

Governor Shapiro’s potential appointments could shift the court if any justices are recalled, though these appointments would need approval from a Republican-controlled Senate. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Both parties are pouring money into ads to sway voters. According to AdImpact, Democrats have committed about $4 million compared to Republicans’ $1.5 million.

As election day approaches, expect to see more debates and discussions around this critical issue. For those who care about the judicial system, this retention vote is one to watch closely.



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