Press Release: Chester County Democrats Secure Local Government Row Office and Judicial Wins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chester County Democratic Committee
office@chescodems.org
(610) 692-5811Chester County Democrats Secure Local Government Row Office and Judicial WinsOvercome Billionaire Donations to Republican Campaigns
West Chester, PA. (November 5, 2025) – With most votes counted other than some provisional ballots, the results of the 2025 General / Municipal Election indicate that, pending certification, Democrats will retain the five county row office seats open this cycle, and elevate their two endorsed judicial candidates to the Court of Common Pleas.
Candidates Clay Cauley and Mackenzie Smith – the latter previously appointed by Governor Shapiro to the bench but needing the election to secure a 10-year term – were successful in their bids for the Chester County Court of Common Pleas by comfortable margins. Magisterial District Judge candidates James Kovaleski (District 15-2-01), Tony diFrancesca (District 15-2-03), and Joe Heffern (District 15-3-07) all won their elections.
Statewide, voters reacted to the misinformation widely circulated by conservative mega-donors to retain Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, David Wecht, and Kevin Dougherty, Superior Court Judge Alice Dubow, and Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik. Despite significant outside funding asking for “No” on retention, voters considered these judges on their merits and performance, and disregarded blatant lies pushed by PACs funded by billionaire Jeffrey Yass and others. They also elected Democratic-endorsed Judge Brandon Neuman to the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Judge Stella Tsai to Commonwealth Court.
In Chester County, Democratic candidates for Controller (Nick Cherubino), Treasurer (incumbent Patricia Maisano), Clerk of Courts (Caroline Bradley), Coroner (incumbent Sophia Garcia-Jackson), and Prothonotary (Alex Christy) easily won their races for county row offices.
In school board and municipal races across the county, Democrats were similarly successful.
Chester County Democratic Committee Chair Charlotte Valyo had this to say about the night’s results and difficulties some voters had at the polls: “We want to thank the Independent voters of Chester County who were required to vote provisionally and waited—some until 10:00 PM or later—to make sure their voices were heard. The results of this election send a strong message to those who believe that outspending an opponent and spreading misinformation can win elections. Chester County voters are well-educated, well-informed, and not easily misled by falsehoods in ads or mailers.”
“Chester County Democrats continue to earn the trust of voters because we govern for ALL residents”, Chairwoman Valyo added. “Under Democratic leadership, Chester County has flourished and remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”
ABOUT CHESTER COUNTY DEMOCRATS
The Chester County Democratic Committee believes in Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity for all Americans regardless of what they believe, who they are, or where they came from. Find them online at chescodems.org.
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