PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Democratic Party’s State Committee voted to endorse the following candidates for the 2021 judicial races:

Judge Maria C. McLaughlin for Supreme Court
Superior Court Judge McLaughlin is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania who personifies the meaning of hard work. First in her family to attend college, Maria worked hard to earn her law degree and become a successful lawyer. A single mom for many years who has served on both the trial and appellate bench, Judge McLaughlin has a 29-year legal career with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, and our Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Judge David L. Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court
Judge David Spurgeon has served in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas since 2016. Assigned to the Family Division, he handles all matters involving children and families. He has been recognized as a national expert on domestic violence and has been named a Judicial Fellow by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for his judicial leadership. Judge Spurgeon regularly participates as a panelist and contributor in various local, state, and national forums addressing intimate partner violence. He currently serves as the Chair of the Family Violence Work Group for the 5th Judicial District.

“We are thrilled to announce our endorsements of Judge Maria McLaughlin and Judge David Spurgeon,” said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills. “They are accomplished judges who have consistently stood up for the rights and safety of Pennsylvania families. We look forward to them bringing that same energy and commitment to the statewide courts.”

“Thank you to the PA Dems State Committee for the honor of this endorsement,” said Judge Maria McLaughlin. “I hope that my candidacy shines a light on the endless possibilities open to women and girls everywhere who come from humble beginnings.”

“I am grateful to the PA Dems State Committee for their endorsement and look forward to the work ahead,” said Judge David Spurgeon. “I have dedicated my career to the protection of families, and promise to bring compassion, fairness, and a sense of service to the bench of the Commonwealth Court.”

In order to earn the endorsement of the PA Democratic Party, candidates must have received 2/3rds of the votes cast by properly credentialed Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee members or their proxies.