Wolford wins GOP primary for Commonwealth Court
The race for two statewide court seats was narrowed down during Pennsylvania’s primary election Tuesday. Three candidates are vying for one seat each, on both the Pennsylvania Commonwealth and Superior courts.
Judge of the Commonwealth Court
According to the Associated Press, Matt Wolford of Erie County, a former state and federal prosecutor, defeated Josh Prince of Berks County, a prominent gun rights lawyer, on the Republican ballot.
Wolford has 38 years of government and private sector experience, including Commonwealth Court hearings and appeals. He studied at Penn State before completing his juris doctor at Temple University School of Law.
The Commonwealth Court is the state’s other intermediate appellate court, primarily handling civil cases involving state and local governments and regulatory agencies. Established in 1968, the court comprises nine judges and acts as a trial court when lawsuits are filed by or against Pennsylvania.
There was no Democratic primary in the contest, as Philadelphia Judge Stella Tsai ran uncontested for the Commonwealth Court seat.
Judge of the Superior Court
On the Republican ballot, Clarion County lawyer Maria Battista was up against Chester County Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft.
While the Associated Press had not called that race by press time Tuesday, Battista appeared to have secured 56% of the vote with 60% of votes counted as of about 10 p.m.
Battista, of Clarion County, is a former assistant district attorney and also served with Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration. Wheatcraft is currently president judge of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.
Washington County Judge Brandon Neumon ran uncontested on the Democratic ticket.
The Superior Court, which comprises 15 judges, is one of two statewide intermediate appellate courts. Established in 1895, it reviews most civil and criminal cases appealed from the Courts of Common Pleas in the commonwealth’s 67 counties. It is often the final authority on legal disputes.
Judges are elected to 10-year terms. Retention votes for 10-year members of the state judiciary will appear on the ballot this fall, during Pennsylvania’s general election.
