Challenge Heats Up For PA Supreme Court Vacancy

PENNSYLVANIA — Three Republicans and one Democrat have filed to run in the May 18 state primary for one vacancy on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

According to the Department of State, Commonwealth Court judges Kevin Brobson and Patricia McCullough, as well as Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Paula A. Patrick have entered the GOP race. Brobson is from Dauphin County, McCullough is from Allegheny County.

Superior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin of Philadelphia was the lone Democrat to file for the Supreme Court vacancy.

Republican Chief Justice Thomas Saylor faces mandatory retirement at the end of the year, creating the vacancy. Democrat Max Baer will be the new chief justice because he will be the panel's longest-tenured justice.