PHILADELPHIA (October 9, 2025) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3), which represents 14,000 public educators working in the School District of Philadelphia, has endorsed the following jurists for Pennsylvania’s three statewide appellate courts:
- For the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the PFT supports retention of Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht.
- For the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, the PFT endorses Judge Stella Tsai, as well as Judge Michael Wojcik for retention.
- For the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, the PFT endorses Judge Brandon Neuman, as well as Judge Alice Beck Dubow for retention.
“There is no such thing as an off-election year, and Philly public school educators know intimately the critical role of state courts in working people’s lives,” PFT President Arthur G. Steinberg said. “It was the state Supreme Court that in 2016 ruled decisively for the PFT when the then-SRC – since abolished – sought to illegally cancel our collective bargaining agreement. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court in a landmark ruling agreed with school districts and students across Pennsylvania that the General Assembly’s failure to adequately fund public schools in low-wealth communities was unconstitutional.”
President Steinberg continued: “In November, voters have the opportunity to elevate Judge Stella Tsai to Commonwealth Court and Judge Brandon Neuman to Superior Court. Both are rated Highly Recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and both have records of a commitment to voting rights, civil rights, and workers’ rights. All three Supreme Court justices who are standing for retention, along with Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik and Superior Court Judge Alice Beck Dubow, have demonstrated fairness and professionalism while serving in their roles. At a time when Americans’ constitutional and civil rights are being attacked by extremist politicians and their billionaire funders, the PFT urges Pennsylvania voters to embrace the opportunity to ensure our courts will be honest and impartial interpreters of the Constitution.”
