Twelve candidates secured nominations Tuesday to run for eight seats on Allegheny County’s Court of Common Pleas in November’s general election.
In Tuesday’s primary, 22 candidates sought nominations to run in November, with six people cross-listed on both the Republican and Democratic tickets and the remaining 16 running solely as Democrats.
The six cross-listed candidates earned Republican nominations. The top vote-getter among Republican voters was Julie Capone, an assistant district attorney who has spent her career focused on elder abuse. She took a leave of absence to run for the bench.
“I made every effort these last few months to get around the county so people could meet me and see who I am,” Capone said. “I feel like that hard work paid off.”
With 99.7% of precincts reporting unofficial results as of midnight, Capone collected 16.7% of the votes cast. Following her were Michele Santicola (16%), Jackie Obara (15.3%), Sarra Terry (14.1%), Dan Miller (12.4%) and Alyssa Cowan (11.1%).
On the Democratic side, Amanda Green-Hawkins was the top vote-getter, collecting 9% of the votes, according to unofficial results.
“It was certainly a tough race,” Green-Hawkins said late Tuesday. “Being with all those top-notch candidates helps you stay on your game and rise to the occasion.
“I’m humbled to see the victory and support from the people of Allegheny County.”
Green-Hawkins was followed by Miller (7.8%), Quita Bridges (7.7%), Capone (7.5%), Anthony DeLuca (7.3%), Heather Schmidt Bresnahan (7%), Jaime Marie Hickton (6.2%) and Matthew V. Rudzki (5.5%).
The Common Pleas bench in Pennsylvania serves as the trial court. In Allegheny County, it has four divisions: civil, criminal, orphans’ and family. Under state statute, Allegheny County is to have 43 judges.
The eight vacancies being filled this year resulted from seven retirements, as well as the death late last year of Judge Alexander P. Bicket.
Judges on Allegheny County’s Common Pleas Court earn $231,222 per year and serve 10-year terms. After 10 years, judges may run for an up-or-down retention vote.
Pennsylvania’s Constitution requires judges to retire at age 75, although they may continue to work if they seek senior status.
