9TH WARD DEMOCRATS

Vote in the Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Democratic Primary!

Polls will be open 7 AM-8 PM

  • May 5th is the last day to REGISTER to vote in the May Election. To register or to check your registration visit: https://vote.phila.gov/voting/registering-to-vote/how-to-register-2/
  • May 13th at 5pm is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot – Apply online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/
  • May 20th at 8pm – Completed, signed, and dated mail-in ballots must be RECEIVED by the Philadelphia County Board of Elections (postmarks are not enough); ballot drop boxes available at City Hall, Room 142 (1400 JFK Blvd), Dorothy Emanuel Rec Center (8500 Pickering Street), and Pleasant Playground (6757 Chew Ave.), and the 8th Council District full-service satellite office (5301 Chew Ave.). Click here for additional drop boxes and satellite election offices: https://vote.phila.gov/ballot-drop-off/

Dear 9th Ward Voter:

Recently in Wisconsin, a GOP candidate endorsed by Trump and bankrolled with $20+ million from Elon Musk lost to the Democrat by 10 points. Why did Trump and Musk intervene in this judicial race? Because they fear state and local courts will stop them from taking away our rights. That’s why you need to vote for the most qualified and progressive Democratic candidates in the May 20 primary.

The 9th Ward Democratic Committee recommends your vote for the following candidates in the May 20 primary:

Larry Krasner for District Attorney: In his two terms, Krasner has prosecuted the most serious crimes while working to address the root causes of violence. Murders in Philadelphia have dropped by 25 percent, and overall crime has declined at a rate greater than the national average. Krasner’s office secured the release of 50 people wrongfully incarcerated, launched a restorative justice program, and is committed to protecting democracy by combating voter suppression.

Christy Brady for Controller: A highly experienced auditor, Brady has investigated delays in the city’s demolition of dangerous properties, held the city accountable for misuse of gun-violence prevention funds, identified millions of dollars lost in property tax fraud, and monitored the city’s Rebuild program. She is focusing on the city’s enforcement of code violations, the use of unlicensed tradespeople, and transparency in the property assessment and appeals process. 

*PABA = PA Bar Association; PBA = Phila. Bar Association

COMMONWEALTH COURT (only candidate running) Judge Stella Tsai: “Highly Recommended” (PABA; PBA). Tsai serves on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas’ Civil, Criminal, and Family Court divisions. She has extensive trial experience in state and federal courts, and, as the daughter of immigrants, has special respect for democracy and the rule of law.

SUPERIOR COURT (only candidate running) Judge Brandon Neuman: “Highly Recommended” (PABA). Neuman is a Common Pleas Court judge in Washington County, presiding over family, criminal, and civil cases as well as the Veterans Court. A former four-term state rep, he is known for his integrity and deep knowledge of judicial and procedural issues.

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS (9 seats)

Will Braveman: “Recommended” (PBA). As an assistant and Deputy City Solicitor, Braveman served in the Health and Human Services Unit, handling child welfare and mental health cases. He is a leader in pro bono and community service.

Leon King: “Recommended” (PBA). King has worked as a civil rights attorney and public servant for over thirty years, including serving as the first openly gay general counsel and commissioner of the Philadelphia Prison System.

Larry Farnese: “Recommended” (PBA). A former state senator, Farnese has substantial litigation experience; he is committed to delivering justice that’s timely, transparent, and rooted in the realities of everyday life.

Brian Kisielewski: “Recommended” (PBA). Kisielewski manages the pro bono program for a large Center City firm. He founded the city’s Elder Justice & Civil Resource Center, providing legal services to elderly and low-income residents.

Irina Ehrlich: “Recommended” (PBA). Originally from Ukraine, Ehrlich has worked as a Philadelphia prosecutor for 13 years, and is focused on juvenile justice, probation reform, and providing all litigants with fair hearings.

Anthony Stefanski: “Recommended” (PBA). With nearly 40 years of courtroom experience, Stefanski has tried over 200 jury trials and 2,000 bench trials, and knows firsthand what it takes to be a fair and compassionate judge. 

Deborah Watson-Stokes: “Recommended” (PBA). Award-winning Watson-Stokes has served in the DA’s office for 34 years and tried over 150 jury and 850 bench trials. She will impart justice with principles, skill, and compassion. 

Sarah Jones: “Recommended” (PBA). Jones’s legal practice includes family law and misdemeanor and felony criminal defense. She is committed to ensuring that everyone receives fairness, justice, and due process. 

Kia Ghee: “Recommended” (PBA). Former executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and Deputy City Solicitor, Ghee has served as counsel for 40 city agencies and is focused on issues of restorative justice.

MUNICIPAL COURT (3 seats; the ward’s judicial committee believes only 2 candidates are qualified to serve)

Amanda Davidson: “Recommended” (PBA). Davidson has practiced across Philadelphia court divisions (Criminal, Family, Civil) for 30 years. She is committed to case-by-case analysis to promote fairness in setting bail and restorative justice.

Cortez Patton: “Not Recommended” (PBA). Patton is not recommended by PBA due to his limited trial experience, but his work as an L&I hearing officer and criminal justice reformer makes him a uniquely skilled and credible candidate.

BALLOT QUESTIONS: After thorough review and deliberations, we recommend YES votes on questions 1 and 2; NO on question 3.

9th Ward Democratic Committee · https://9thwarddems.org/

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