HARRISBURG, Pa. — A wave of political mailers hitting Pennsylvania mailboxes ahead of the Nov. 4 judicial retention election has drawn scrutiny from Democratic leaders, who say the materials could mislead voters.
The mailers, distributed by Commonwealth Partners, a conservative advocacy group based in Harrisburg, urge voters to reject the retention of three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices — Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht — all Democrats first elected in 2015. The group is part of a network of organizations heavily funded by Bala Cynwyd billionaire Jeff Yass, a major donor to conservative causes in the state.
State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, who represents the 132nd District in Allentown, criticized the mailers in a statement Monday, calling them “clever forms of bullshit designed to trick you.”
“These efforts are being funded by right-wing billionaires, including people like Jeff Yass, who has funded Republicans across the country and especially in Pennsylvania,” Schlossberg said. “They are known liars who pump millions into our races with the intent of hijacking liberal messages and tricking voters.”
Retention elections, held every ten years, allow voters to decide whether sitting judges should remain on the bench for another term. This year’s vote is unusually consequential: if voters reject all three justices, the court’s 5–2 Democratic majority would shrink to a 2–2 split until replacements are elected.
The mailers claim that a “no” vote would impose term limits, “defend our democracy, protect women and children and force a fair election.” Schlossberg warned that the language could mislead voters into believing a “no” vote promotes reform rather than simply removing sitting judges.
The three justices up for retention have presided over rulings that shaped mail-in voting, redistricting, and pandemic-era health policies. All three have been rated “recommended” by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, which evaluates judicial qualifications and is nonpartisan.
Commonwealth Partners did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Progressive and civil rights groups are mobilizing in support of the justices. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has pledged six-figure spending to back the three justices, calling the election an “investment in protecting abortion access and elections.” The state and national chapters of the ACLU also announced a $500,000 mail campaign to educate voters about the potential impact on civil rights and civil liberties.
Schlossberg said he does not always agree with the justices’ rulings but emphasized that they have “consistently ruled in favor of expanding individual rights, protecting against government overreach and ensuring fair legislative maps.”
“These three justices are good, fair justices, and they need our help,” he said. “Vote yes — and make sure others understand what’s really at stake.”
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 20. Polling places will be open Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. can still vote. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Completed ballots must arrive by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
