Results of Tuesday, November 8, 2022 General Election

November 9, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHAPIRO/DAVIS AND FETTERMAN WIN, HOULAHAN RETURNS TO CONGRESS , AND CHESTER COUNTY FLIPS ONE MORE ASSEMBLY SEAT, UNOFFICIALLY TAKING CONTROL OF STATE HOUSE

West Chester, PA. (NOVEMBER 9, 2022) – Last night was not just a great night for Chester County voters and the Chester County Democratic Party, but a win for Pennsylvania and our nation. Voters selected Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis for Governor and Lt. Governor, sent John Fetterman to Washington as our next Senator, re-elected Chrissy Houlahan to Congress, re-elected incumbent Democratic state Representatives and a state Senator, held the open seat in the 156th, and flipped the 26th district in northern Chester County.

According to Chester County Democratic Chairwoman Charlotte Valyo, “Democracy was on the ballot and democracy won. The voters came out in unprecedented numbers for a midterm election and proved that when people are able to vote, democracy wins.

The fight to protect our rights continues. The misinformation will continue and so will the attacks on the integrity of our elections. We cannot let our guard down; our vote is our voice.

We are thankful to and proud of all of our candidates. They ran positive, value-centered campaigns. Democrats Deliver at every level.”

Congratulations to the following Democratic Party winners:

US Senator: John Fetterman
Governor: Josh Shapiro
Lt Governor: Austin Davis
US Congress 6th District: Chrissy Houlahan
PA State Senate 44: Katie Muth
PA House 155: Daniel Friel Otten
PA House 26:  Paul Friel
PA House 167: Kristine Howard
PA House 156: Chris Pielli
PA House 158: Christina Sappey
PA House 157: Melissa Shusterman
PA House 74: Dan Williams

Although still unofficial, the Democratic State Committee has declared they have won control of the state House and selected Rep. Joanna McClinton as next speaker.

2023 Democratic Party Candidates

  • Justice, PA Supreme Court: Dan McCaffery
  • Judge, PA Commonwealth Court: Matt Wolf
  • Judge, PA Superior Court: Jill Beck, Timika Lane
  • Chester County Commissioner: Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell
  • Chester County District Attorney: Chris De Barrena-Sarobe
  • Chester County Prothonotary: Debbie Bookman
  • Chester County Recorder of Deeds: Diane O'Dwyer
  • Chester County Register of Wills: Michele Vaughn
  • Chester County Sheriff: Kevin Dykes
  • Judge, Chester County Court of Common Pleas (in ballot order): Sarah Black, Deb Ryan, Fredda Maddox, Nicole Forzato, Thomas McCabe, 
Dan McCaffery

Dan McCaffery

Justice, PA Supreme Court

Dan McCaffery is a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He assumed office on January 6, 2020. He previously served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. After serving on active duty with the First Cavalry Division, he was one of a few select soldiers chose...Read More

Dan McCaffery

Dan McCaffery

Justice, PA Supreme Court

Dan McCaffery is a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He assumed office on January 6, 2020. He previously served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. After serving on active duty with the First Cavalry Division, he was one of a few select soldiers chosen from the military to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point Prep School. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Judge McCaffery attended Temple University and Temple University Law School on a veteran’s scholarship. In 1991, McCaffery became an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. He quickly distinguished himself as a top-flight prosecutor assigned to the major trials unit, prosecuting over fifty jury trials and a thousand bench trials.  McCaffery is currently the supervising judge for wiretaps and was selected by the Supreme Court to serve on the Court of Judicial Discipline.

Matt Wolf

Matt Wolf

Judge, Commonwealth Court

Judge Matt Wolf is the Supervising Civil Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As Supervising Judge, he guided the court through the pandemic; he started the heralded eviction diversion program, and he has focused the court on equity and access to justice.

Judge Wolf is currently in the Penn...Read More

Matt Wolf

Matt Wolf

Judge, Commonwealth Court

Judge Matt Wolf is the Supervising Civil Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As Supervising Judge, he guided the court through the pandemic; he started the heralded eviction diversion program, and he has focused the court on equity and access to justice.

Judge Wolf is currently in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and served on active duty in Afghanistan in 2008. In country, he served as a Foreign Claims Officer and Rule of Law advisor to the Afghan National Police on legal matters.

Since 2021, Judge Wolf has been working with the National Center for State Courts through a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. He is the only Judge for Commonwealth Court in this election. In making changes to court policy, Judge Wolf listens to both sides of cases as well as all court stakeholders who should have a say in how the court is run.

Jill Beck

Jill Beck

Judge, Superior Court

Jill knows firsthand that justice is served only when every person – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or income – has fair and equal access to the courts. She is running for the Pennsylvania Superior Court to ensure that justice in ...Read More

Jill Beck

Jill Beck

Judge, Superior Court

Jill knows firsthand that justice is served only when every person – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or income – has fair and equal access to the courts. She is running for the Pennsylvania Superior Court to ensure that justice in Pennsylvania truly is for ALL.  After graduating at the top of her class from Duquesne University School of Law, Jill chose to work for the nonprofit organization KidsVoice, before spending a decade on the Superior and Supreme Court where she drafted over 500 decisions of the very kind she will decide as Judge.  Jill currently resides with her husband, two young children, and rescue dog in Pittsburgh, where she is an active volunteer in her children’s classrooms and in her community.

Timika Lane

Timika Lane

Judge, Superior Court

Timika Lane

Timika Lane

Judge, Superior Court

Timika Lane currently serves as chief legal counsel to State Senator and Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams. She also served as the Democratic Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee. In her role as legal counsel, Lane assesses the constitutionality of proposed and current legislation; provides legal advice and guidance regarding the legal implications of legislation, regulations, and administrative policies, and advises Pennsylvania Senators and staff on legislation presented for vote in Senate Committees. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association and has legal certifications as a child advocate and arbitrator.

Marian Moskowitz

Marian Moskowitz

Chester County Commissioner

Marian Moskowitz has dedicated her career to growing and strengthening Chester County. After four decades as a responsible local developer, she ran for Commissioner in 2019 because she believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and prosperous community....Read More

Marian Moskowitz

Marian Moskowitz

Chester County Commissioner

Marian Moskowitz has dedicated her career to growing and strengthening Chester County. After four decades as a responsible local developer, she ran for Commissioner in 2019 because she believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and prosperous community. As the first Democratic Chairwoman of the County Board of Commissioners, she’s delivered real results for Chester County.

Under Marian’s leadership, Chester County now has the lowest unemployment rate in the region, our economy was ranked in the top 10 percent of High Performing Communities, and we were named the healthiest place to live in the state. From preserving our open space to investing in local infrastructure, Marian has shown up for the people of Chester County.

That’s because this has been Marian’s home for nearly 40 years, alongside her husband Dave, their five kids who they raised here, and their grandchildren. She’s been actively involved in the community, serving on the board of SEPTA, West Chester University, the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, the People’s Light Theater, and on the Chester County Economic Development Council as past chair. Governor Wolf also named her to the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

313 West Market Street,Suite 6202,West Chester,PA,19380
Josh Maxwell

Josh Maxwell

Chester County Commissioner

Commissioner Josh Maxwell leads with progressive values to advocate for working families, promote equality, and preserve the environment. As commissioner, his priorities have included the county's first-ever employee group on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; a groundbreaking community-centered, val...Read More

Josh Maxwell

Josh Maxwell

Chester County Commissioner

Commissioner Josh Maxwell leads with progressive values to advocate for working families, promote equality, and preserve the environment. As commissioner, his priorities have included the county's first-ever employee group on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; a groundbreaking community-centered, values-based budgeting process; creating a mobile mental health crisis unit; numerous climate and open space incentives; and more. A graduate of West Chester University and UPenn's Fels Institute of Government, Josh lives in Downingtown with his wife, Blair.

313 West Market Street,Suite 6202,West Chester,PA,19380
Chris de Barrena-Sarobe

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe

District Attorney

Chris started as a prosecutor at the Chester County DA’s Office in 2009, prosecuting a wide variety of cases. In 2015, he left the DA’s Office to become a federal prosecutor in Delaware. There he ...Read More

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe

District Attorney

Chris started as a prosecutor at the Chester County DA’s Office in 2009, prosecuting a wide variety of cases. In 2015, he left the DA’s Office to become a federal prosecutor in Delaware. There he investigated and prosecuted social security fraud, high-level drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent offenses. Recently, Assistant United States Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. selected Chris and his team for the Criminal Division’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of their work on a cartel kidnapping case. A Temple Law graduate, Chris currently works at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP.  He lives in Willistown with his wife and two daughters.

Debbie Bookman

Debbie Bookman

Chester County Prothonotary

Debbie Bookman was sworn in on January 2020 as Prothonotary. Since taking office Debbie has extended passport services to evening hours. Debbie has placed staff in roles that best suit their strength and interest, expanded bilingual services and increased diversity from 4% to 18%. Debbie prides hers...Read More

Debbie Bookman

Debbie Bookman

Chester County Prothonotary

Debbie Bookman was sworn in on January 2020 as Prothonotary. Since taking office Debbie has extended passport services to evening hours. Debbie has placed staff in roles that best suit their strength and interest, expanded bilingual services and increased diversity from 4% to 18%. Debbie prides herself on providing excellent community and customer services. She believes that when you are serving others it is often necessary to go the extra mile whenever possible. Customer service ultimately is the core of the Prothonotary’ s Office.

Diane O’Dwyer

Diane O’Dwyer

Recorder of Deeds

A resident of Uwchlan Township for 32 years, Diane O’Dwyer was sworn in as Acting Recorder of Deeds on December 1, 2022.  Prior to that, she served as Deputy Recorder for 3 years.  Diane has been an active member of CCDC since 2004 and is currently a Democratic State Committee Member.  She is a...Read More

Diane O’Dwyer

Diane O’Dwyer

Recorder of Deeds

A resident of Uwchlan Township for 32 years, Diane O’Dwyer was sworn in as Acting Recorder of Deeds on December 1, 2022.  Prior to that, she served as Deputy Recorder for 3 years.  Diane has been an active member of CCDC since 2004 and is currently a Democratic State Committee Member.  She is a Board Member of the Housing Partnership of Chester County. Diane is proud of the solid reputation her office has built for excellence in public service.

Michele Vaughn

Michele Vaughn

Register of Wills

Michele Vaughn is Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and Chair of the Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded in 2015 to bring the issues that concern women, organized labor and working families to the political forefront. She was CCDC Vi...Read More

Michele Vaughn

Michele Vaughn

Register of Wills

Michele Vaughn is Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and Chair of the Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded in 2015 to bring the issues that concern women, organized labor and working families to the political forefront. She was CCDC Vice-Chair from 2000-06 and Chair from 2006-14, and an East Whiteland Township Supervisor from 1998-2003. She is the current Chester County Register of Wills.

The Register of Wills probates wills and appoints estate representatives for decedents who die with or without a will. Regardless of where the death occurred, the decedent MUST have been a legal resident of Chester County at the time of death. The Register of Wills also serves as an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for filing and payment of inheritance taxes.

Kevin Dykes

Kevin Dykes

Chester County Sheriff

Kevin currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience and leadership training, he will continue to serve the community with strong ethical leadership, ensuring the public safety in our courthouse and government facil...Read More

Kevin Dykes

Kevin Dykes

Chester County Sheriff

Kevin currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience and leadership training, he will continue to serve the community with strong ethical leadership, ensuring the public safety in our courthouse and government facilities.

The graduate of the FBI National Academy has previously served as Chief of Chester County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Trooper, advisory board member of DVCCC's Coaching Boys Into Men program, and "Top Gun" instructor.

Sarah Black

Sarah Black

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

While maintaining full-time employment as a child support conciliator, Sarah Black attended Widener University School of Law at night. She also clerked for two civil firms specializing in personal injury and contractual litigation. Upon graduation, she worked as a family law sole practitioner.  She...Read More

Sarah Black

Sarah Black

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

While maintaining full-time employment as a child support conciliator, Sarah Black attended Widener University School of Law at night. She also clerked for two civil firms specializing in personal injury and contractual litigation. Upon graduation, she worked as a family law sole practitioner.  She has been a public defender in Pennsylvania for fourteen years, the last nine of which have been at the Chester County Public Defender’s Office. As a practicing trial attorney appearing before judges and juries, certified to defend death penalty cases, she appears in the courtroom daily providing zealous advocacy to marginalized populations. She is heavily involved in community service projects in her hometown of West Chester, where she resides with her husband, Paul, and rescue dog, Jack.

Deb Ryan

Deb Ryan

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Deb Ryan has dedicated her entire 24-year career as an attorney to public service as a prosecutor, advocate for children, and as District Attorney. In 2019, she was elected as the first woman and first Democrat DA in our county’s history. Deb has successfully handled thousands of cases in the Cou...Read More

Deb Ryan

Deb Ryan

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Deb Ryan has dedicated her entire 24-year career as an attorney to public service as a prosecutor, advocate for children, and as District Attorney. In 2019, she was elected as the first woman and first Democrat DA in our county’s history. Deb has successfully handled thousands of cases in the Court of Common Pleas including homicides, child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assaults. As a judge, she will be committed to the integrity of the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the due process of law.

P.O. BOX 104,KEMBLESVILLE,PA,19347-9998
Fredda Maddox

Fredda Maddox

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

With a legacy of serving the Chester County community, Sheriff Maddox has protected our families and has been a tireless advocate fighting for the legal rights of marginalized individuals for more than 25 years. Fredda has represented the accused and the accuser, the abused and the abuser, the privi...Read More

Fredda Maddox

Fredda Maddox

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

With a legacy of serving the Chester County community, Sheriff Maddox has protected our families and has been a tireless advocate fighting for the legal rights of marginalized individuals for more than 25 years. Fredda has represented the accused and the accuser, the abused and the abuser, the privileged and the poor equally and provides a rare, balanced perspective of the court to provide the fairness, compassion and experience needed as a Judge.

Nicole Forzato

Nicole Forzato

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Judge Nicole Forzato is serving on the Court of Common Pleas, after being appointed to the bench by Governor Wolf in 2022.  Before her appointment, Judge Forzato was the first female and first democrat chief legal officer of Chester County.  During her over twenty year legal career, she gained ext...Read More

Nicole Forzato

Nicole Forzato

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Judge Nicole Forzato is serving on the Court of Common Pleas, after being appointed to the bench by Governor Wolf in 2022.  Before her appointment, Judge Forzato was the first female and first democrat chief legal officer of Chester County.  During her over twenty year legal career, she gained extensive litigation experience in civil, criminal and orphans court matters. She worked alongside Governor Shapiro for eight years in different roles including as a Senior Deputy Attorney General.

Thomas (Tip) McCabe

Thomas (Tip) McCabe

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Thomas (Tip) McCabe focused his law practice in Chester County, first as an Assistant Public Defender, and later as court appointed counsel for the indigent. As a private practitioner, he has handled matters ranging from civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, guardianships, land use and municipa...Read More

Thomas (Tip) McCabe

Thomas (Tip) McCabe

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Thomas (Tip) McCabe focused his law practice in Chester County, first as an Assistant Public Defender, and later as court appointed counsel for the indigent. As a private practitioner, he has handled matters ranging from civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, guardianships, land use and municipal law, juvenile law, appellate law, and pro bono custody matters through the Chester County Bar Association's Access to Justice Program. Thomas served as Solicitor for the Elk Township Zoning Hearing Board and as an Arbitration Panel Member deciding civil matters less than $50,000.00. He is Chair of CCBA Criminal Defense Section, and Co-Chair of CCBA Civil Litigation Section.

Thomas wants to bring his broad legal experience, and Public Defender perspective to continue to serve the people of Chester County as Court of Common Pleas Judge. He lives in Newlin Township with his wife and two daughters.

Dan McCaffery

Justice, PA Supreme Court

Dan McCaffery

Dan McCaffery

Justice, PA Supreme Court

Dan McCaffery is a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. He assumed office on January 6, 2020. He previously served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. After serving on active duty with the First Cavalry Division, he was one of a few select soldiers chosen from the military to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point Prep School. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Judge McCaffery attended Temple University and Temple University Law School on a veteran’s scholarship. In 1991, McCaffery became an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. He quickly distinguished himself as a top-flight prosecutor assigned to the major trials unit, prosecuting over fifty jury trials and a thousand bench trials.  McCaffery is currently the supervising judge for wiretaps and was selected by the Supreme Court to serve on the Court of Judicial Discipline.

Matt Wolf

Judge, Commonwealth Court

Matt Wolf

Matt Wolf

Judge, Commonwealth Court

Judge Matt Wolf is the Supervising Civil Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court. As Supervising Judge, he guided the court through the pandemic; he started the heralded eviction diversion program, and he has focused the court on equity and access to justice.

Judge Wolf is currently in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and served on active duty in Afghanistan in 2008. In country, he served as a Foreign Claims Officer and Rule of Law advisor to the Afghan National Police on legal matters.

Since 2021, Judge Wolf has been working with the National Center for State Courts through a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. He is the only Judge for Commonwealth Court in this election. In making changes to court policy, Judge Wolf listens to both sides of cases as well as all court stakeholders who should have a say in how the court is run.

Jill Beck

Jill Beck

Judge, Superior Court

Jill knows firsthand that justice is served only when every person – regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or income – has fair and equal access to the courts. She is running for the Pennsylvania Superior Court to ensure that justice in Pennsylvania truly is for ALL.  After graduating at the top of her class from Duquesne University School of Law, Jill chose to work for the nonprofit organization KidsVoice, before spending a decade on the Superior and Supreme Court where she drafted over 500 decisions of the very kind she will decide as Judge.  Jill currently resides with her husband, two young children, and rescue dog in Pittsburgh, where she is an active volunteer in her children’s classrooms and in her community.

Timika Lane

Timika Lane

Judge, Superior Court

Timika Lane currently serves as chief legal counsel to State Senator and Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams. She also served as the Democratic Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee. In her role as legal counsel, Lane assesses the constitutionality of proposed and current legislation; provides legal advice and guidance regarding the legal implications of legislation, regulations, and administrative policies, and advises Pennsylvania Senators and staff on legislation presented for vote in Senate Committees. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association and has legal certifications as a child advocate and arbitrator.

Marian Moskowitz

Marian Moskowitz

Chester County Commissioner

Marian Moskowitz has dedicated her career to growing and strengthening Chester County. After four decades as a responsible local developer, she ran for Commissioner in 2019 because she believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and prosperous community. As the first Democratic Chairwoman of the County Board of Commissioners, she’s delivered real results for Chester County.

Under Marian’s leadership, Chester County now has the lowest unemployment rate in the region, our economy was ranked in the top 10 percent of High Performing Communities, and we were named the healthiest place to live in the state. From preserving our open space to investing in local infrastructure, Marian has shown up for the people of Chester County.

That’s because this has been Marian’s home for nearly 40 years, alongside her husband Dave, their five kids who they raised here, and their grandchildren. She’s been actively involved in the community, serving on the board of SEPTA, West Chester University, the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, the People’s Light Theater, and on the Chester County Economic Development Council as past chair. Governor Wolf also named her to the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Josh Maxwell

Chester County Commissioner

Josh Maxwell

Josh Maxwell

Chester County Commissioner

Commissioner Josh Maxwell leads with progressive values to advocate for working families, promote equality, and preserve the environment. As commissioner, his priorities have included the county's first-ever employee group on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; a groundbreaking community-centered, values-based budgeting process; creating a mobile mental health crisis unit; numerous climate and open space incentives; and more. A graduate of West Chester University and UPenn's Fels Institute of Government, Josh lives in Downingtown with his wife, Blair.

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe

Chris de Barrena-Sarobe

District Attorney

Chris started as a prosecutor at the Chester County DA’s Office in 2009, prosecuting a wide variety of cases. In 2015, he left the DA’s Office to become a federal prosecutor in Delaware. There he investigated and prosecuted social security fraud, high-level drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent offenses. Recently, Assistant United States Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. selected Chris and his team for the Criminal Division’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of their work on a cartel kidnapping case. A Temple Law graduate, Chris currently works at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP.  He lives in Willistown with his wife and two daughters.

Debbie Bookman

Debbie Bookman

Chester County Prothonotary

Debbie Bookman was sworn in on January 2020 as Prothonotary. Since taking office Debbie has extended passport services to evening hours. Debbie has placed staff in roles that best suit their strength and interest, expanded bilingual services and increased diversity from 4% to 18%. Debbie prides herself on providing excellent community and customer services. She believes that when you are serving others it is often necessary to go the extra mile whenever possible. Customer service ultimately is the core of the Prothonotary’ s Office.

Diane O’Dwyer

Diane O’Dwyer

Recorder of Deeds

A resident of Uwchlan Township for 32 years, Diane O’Dwyer was sworn in as Acting Recorder of Deeds on December 1, 2022.  Prior to that, she served as Deputy Recorder for 3 years.  Diane has been an active member of CCDC since 2004 and is currently a Democratic State Committee Member.  She is a Board Member of the Housing Partnership of Chester County. Diane is proud of the solid reputation her office has built for excellence in public service.

Michele Vaughn

Register of Wills

Michele Vaughn

Michele Vaughn

Register of Wills

Michele Vaughn is Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and Chair of the Chester County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded in 2015 to bring the issues that concern women, organized labor and working families to the political forefront. She was CCDC Vice-Chair from 2000-06 and Chair from 2006-14, and an East Whiteland Township Supervisor from 1998-2003. She is the current Chester County Register of Wills.

The Register of Wills probates wills and appoints estate representatives for decedents who die with or without a will. Regardless of where the death occurred, the decedent MUST have been a legal resident of Chester County at the time of death. The Register of Wills also serves as an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for filing and payment of inheritance taxes.

Kevin Dykes

Kevin Dykes

Chester County Sheriff

Kevin currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. With over 42 years of law enforcement experience and leadership training, he will continue to serve the community with strong ethical leadership, ensuring the public safety in our courthouse and government facilities.

The graduate of the FBI National Academy has previously served as Chief of Chester County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Trooper, advisory board member of DVCCC's Coaching Boys Into Men program, and "Top Gun" instructor.

Sarah Black

Sarah Black

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

While maintaining full-time employment as a child support conciliator, Sarah Black attended Widener University School of Law at night. She also clerked for two civil firms specializing in personal injury and contractual litigation. Upon graduation, she worked as a family law sole practitioner.  She has been a public defender in Pennsylvania for fourteen years, the last nine of which have been at the Chester County Public Defender’s Office. As a practicing trial attorney appearing before judges and juries, certified to defend death penalty cases, she appears in the courtroom daily providing zealous advocacy to marginalized populations. She is heavily involved in community service projects in her hometown of West Chester, where she resides with her husband, Paul, and rescue dog, Jack.

Deb Ryan

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Deb Ryan

Deb Ryan

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Deb Ryan has dedicated her entire 24-year career as an attorney to public service as a prosecutor, advocate for children, and as District Attorney. In 2019, she was elected as the first woman and first Democrat DA in our county’s history. Deb has successfully handled thousands of cases in the Court of Common Pleas including homicides, child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assaults. As a judge, she will be committed to the integrity of the courts, the protection of individual rights, and the due process of law.

Fredda Maddox

Fredda Maddox

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

With a legacy of serving the Chester County community, Sheriff Maddox has protected our families and has been a tireless advocate fighting for the legal rights of marginalized individuals for more than 25 years. Fredda has represented the accused and the accuser, the abused and the abuser, the privileged and the poor equally and provides a rare, balanced perspective of the court to provide the fairness, compassion and experience needed as a Judge.

Nicole Forzato

Nicole Forzato

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Judge Nicole Forzato is serving on the Court of Common Pleas, after being appointed to the bench by Governor Wolf in 2022.  Before her appointment, Judge Forzato was the first female and first democrat chief legal officer of Chester County.  During her over twenty year legal career, she gained extensive litigation experience in civil, criminal and orphans court matters. She worked alongside Governor Shapiro for eight years in different roles including as a Senior Deputy Attorney General.

Thomas (Tip) McCabe

Thomas (Tip) McCabe

Judge, Court of Common Pleas

Thomas (Tip) McCabe focused his law practice in Chester County, first as an Assistant Public Defender, and later as court appointed counsel for the indigent. As a private practitioner, he has handled matters ranging from civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, guardianships, land use and municipal law, juvenile law, appellate law, and pro bono custody matters through the Chester County Bar Association's Access to Justice Program. Thomas served as Solicitor for the Elk Township Zoning Hearing Board and as an Arbitration Panel Member deciding civil matters less than $50,000.00. He is Chair of CCBA Criminal Defense Section, and Co-Chair of CCBA Civil Litigation Section.

Thomas wants to bring his broad legal experience, and Public Defender perspective to continue to serve the people of Chester County as Court of Common Pleas Judge. He lives in Newlin Township with his wife and two daughters.
Office Hours:
Mon – Thur 10AM-3PM

37 South High St.
    West Chester, PA 19382


(610) 692-5811

email CCDC