Mark your calendars for a visit to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the 2025 municipal election. If you are unsure of when or where to go, who is running, and for what, this guide is for you.
When and Where
The polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and the university has given students the day off. As long as you are in line by 8:00 pm, you can vote!
If you are unsure of where to vote, you can check www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. The website will give you your designated polling place if you provide your residential information.
To be eligible to vote, you must be registered. You can check your registration online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. You do not need to be registered under a party.
Who is running?
District Attorney
A District Attorney is the city’s top prosecutor. In criminal cases, DAs represent the government and, more importantly, the citizens of Philadelphia. Called “The People’s Lawyer,” they are responsible for protecting the rights of everyone involved with a crime. Given that Philadelphia is the fourth-largest criminal justice system in the United States, this position is important.
Democrat – Larry Krasner
Larry Krasner has been DA since Jan. 1, 2018. He is now running for his third consecutive term. Krasner is known for his efforts to address the root of crime and to reduce violence, leading to reforms of the criminal justice system.
During Krasner’s eight years in office, there was a massive spike in gun violence and homicides during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2024, he also oversaw a significant drop in crime, including homicides, and 2025 followed suit.
Republican – Pat Dugan
In the May 2025 Democratic primary, Dugan ran against Krasner but lost by 28.9 percent. He is now running again as a Republican. He is a military veteran, serving 23 years of service in the army. Dugan has also been a Municipal Court judge for 17 years and is a former lawyer.
Dugan has been called a “tough-on-crime” candidate and plans to give violent offenders the maximum penalty. Additionally, he founded the Veterans Court in 2010, which led to success in other programs such as Drug and Alcohol court and Mental Health court.
According to Dugan’s official website, he plans to divide the office into six geographic divisions, hire more lawyers, hold criminals accountable, restore community programs to reduce crime, demand accountability from prosecutors, and focus on high-impact cases.
City Controller
The City Controller is an independent city official of the Mayor and City Council. This position is the Chief Auditor of the City and School District. The City Controller oversees financial activities, making sure that public funds are spent efficiently.
Democrat – Christy Brady
Christy Brady took office in Nov. 2023 and is seeking reelection. For Brady’s next term, her focus is on the “underground economy,” gun violence, and the drug crisis. The underground economy refers to paying misclassified workers under the table. These workers often lack proper safety equipment and training, leading to hazardous building practices and structurally unsound finished products.
Republican – Ari Patrinos
Patrinos has previously worked as a stockbroker and a teacher at local charter and district schools. Patrinos’ main focus is ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, with an emphasis on opportunities for the children of Philadelphia to succeed.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Judicial Retention
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court in the Commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation. This court has the final say in cases involving Pennsylvania law.
Three justices are running for another 10-year term. This election is not a normal election, but a Retention Election, which means voters are simply asked to write “yes” or “no” to each judge’s retention.
Christine Donohue
Before Christine Donohue became a Supreme Court Justice, she served on the Pennsylvania Superior Court for eight years. She has emphasized voting rights, judicial ethics, and abortion rights. Donohue is recommended for retention by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Kevin M. Dougherty
Dougherty started his legal career as an assistant DA in Philadelphia and later went into private practice. He has also served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. He focuses on Pennsylvania’s behavioral health crisis, child and family programs, and is a representative for the Autism and the Courts Initiative. Dougherty is also recommended for retention by the bar.
David Wecht
Prior to serving in the Supreme Court, Wecht was a part of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. He is known for his involvement in protecting the state’s forests and parks from gas and oil leaks. Wecht is also recommended for retention by the bar.
Judge of the Superior Court
The Superior Court is right below the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. It handles appeals from civil and criminal cases coming from lower courts.
Brandon Neuman – Democrat
Previously, Neuman served four terms at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He is most well known for his authored legislation on the greater processing of rape kits. The Pennsylvania Bar Association highly recommends Neuman.
Maria Battista – Republican
Battista has previous experience in the Departments of Health and State. She focuses on continuing legal education courses. However, she declined to participate in the bar recommendation process.
Daniel Wassmer
Wassmer is currently a private attorney for both civil and criminal matters, as well as a professor and managing partner of the Wasmer & Hill law firm. There is no information regarding the bar’s recommendation.
The Commonwealth Court
The Commonwealth Court handles civil cases involving state and local governments. This court is made up of nine judges who serve 10-year terms.
Stella Tsai – Democrat
Tsai has previously served as a Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. She is running to protect voting rights, immigrant rights, and civil rights. Tsai is highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Matthew Wolfard – Republican
Wolfard started his career as a state deputy attorney general in the Philadelphia office. He later became a prosecutor and an Adjunct Professor. His three main principles are judicial restraint, safeguarding personal freedoms and property rights, and serving with integrity, fairness, and respect. Wolfard is highly recommended by the bar.
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
The Court of Common Pleas is a trial court that primarily handles civil and criminal cases. Philadelphia voters can choose up to 11 candidates.
Democrats:
- Recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Will Braveman, Sarah Jones, Deborah Watson-Stokes, Kia Ghee, Irina Erlich, Larry Farnese, Leon A. King II, Brian Kisielewski, Anthony Stefanski, Jennifer A. Santiago
- Not recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Joseph J. Russo
Republican: There are no Republicans on the ballot.
Judge of the Municipal Court
The Municipal Court handles minor civil and criminal cases. There are 27 judges on this court. Voters can select four candidates on their ballot.
Democrat:
- Recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Amanda Davidson, Michael Parkinson
- Not recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Sherrie Cohen, Cortez Patton
Republican: There are no Republicans on the ballot.
“Yes” or “no” retention vote
Recommended for retention by the Philadelphia Bar Association: David H. Conroy, Henry Lewandowski, Wendy L. Pew, T. Francis Shields
Not recommended for retention by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde
“Yes” or “no” retention vote
Recommended for retention by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Gwendolyn N. Bright, Ann M. Butchart, Michael Fanning, Christopher Mallios, Walter J. Olszewski, Rainy Papademetriou, Tracy Roman, Stephanie M. Sawyer, Susan I. Schulman
Not recommended for retention by the Philadelphia Bar Association: Scott DiClaudio (refused to participate), Daine A. Grey Jr., Frank Palumbo (refused to participate), Lyris F. Younge (refused to participate)
New Jersey Gubernatorial race
Across the Delaware River, a hotly contested gubernatorial race is underway in the Garden State, where incumbent Governor Phil Murphy (D) is term-limited. The race has brought substantial attention, due in part to New Jersey being a reliably Democratic state that saw a close margin in last year’s presidential election: with then Vice President Harris (D) winning 52 percent to then former President Trump’s 46 percent, the closest margin since 1992.
Democrats: Mikie Sherrill/Dale Caldwell (website)
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Dr. Dale Caldwell are the Democratic nominees for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively. Sherrill, a native of North Jersey, currently represents the 11th Congressional District in the House of Representatives since being elected in 2018. Dr. Caldwell has been the President of Centenary University since 2023 and is also a Methodist pastor.
Republicans: Jack Ciattarelli/Jim Gannon (website)
Former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon are the Republican nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively. Ciattarelli, formerly represented the 16th District centered on Somerset County, was the Republican nominee for governor in 2021. Gannon has served as sheriff of Morris County since 2017, as one of the few elected Republicans in a typically Democratic county.
When will results be available?
The election results will be available on the night of Nov. 4. You can find the results through media stations.