left to right, Top (Supreme Court) Claudia DePeyster, Brian Gotlieb, Jacquline Williams) Bottom: (Civil Court) Juliet Howard, Chidi Eze, Janice Chen) – photos by Phaats Photos / Roger Archer – Janice Chen photo provided by Janice Chen Campaign
In a political climate where courts increasingly shape the direction of the country, the results of New York City’s judicial elections deserve as much attention as higher-profile races. Across the five boroughs, voters selected a new class of justices and judges—many of whom are moving up to the Supreme Court or taking the bench for the first time as Civil Court Judges.
If nothing else, the Trump era has been an education in how deeply judicial power affects political and social life. From the Supreme Court to local benches, judges interpret the laws that define our daily realities. That awareness has reached voters here at home, who this year made their voices heard at the ballot box for the city’s courts.
Why Judicial Races Matter
While headlines often focus on mayoral or congressional races, the judiciary quietly shapes life in New York City—from housing disputes and small claims to high-stakes constitutional questions. Judges serve long terms, make critical rulings, and help ensure fairness and accountability within a complex legal system.
This election showed a renewed civic understanding: local judicial elections matter just as much as those at the national level.
Supreme Court Winners by Borough
Manhattan (1st Judicial District)
- Judy Kim — Democratic Party
- Suzanne Adams — Democratic Party
- James G. Clynes — Democratic Party
- Deborah A. Kaplan — Democratic Party
Brooklyn (2nd Judicial District)
- Carl J. Landicino — Democratic Party
- Betsy Barros — Democratic Party
- Jill R. Epstein — Democratic Party
- Maria Aragona — Democratic Party
- Derefim Neckles — Democratic Party
- Claudia Daniels-DePeyster — Democratic Party
- Norma Jennings — Democratic Party
- Jacqueline Williams — Democratic Party
- Brian L. Gotlieb — Democratic Party
Queens (11th Judicial District)
- Sandra Perez — Democratic Party
- Ira R. Greenberg — Democratic Party
- Gary F. Miret — Democratic Party
- Frances Y. Wang — Democratic Party
- Soma S. Syed — Democratic Party
Staten Island (13th Judicial District)
- Matthew P. Blum — Republican Party
Civil Court Winners
Civil Court judges handle the disputes that touch most New Yorkers’ lives—housing cases, contract disputes, small claims, and family issues. The new Civil Court judges reflect the diversity and professional excellence that define New York’s legal community.
Manhattan (New York County)
- Eric J. Wursthorn — Democratic Party, 3rd Municipal Court District
- Onya Brinson — Democratic Party, 7th Municipal Court District
- Lisa S. Headley — Democratic Party, 8th Municipal Court District
- Judge of the Civil Court – 9th Municipal Court District (Results pending certification)
Bronx County
- Katherine A. O’Brien — Democratic Party, 1st Municipal Court District
- Lauvienska E. Polanco — Democratic Party, 2nd Municipal Court District
- Shekera Anessa Algarin — Democratic Party, Civil Court, Bronx County
Kings County (Brooklyn)
- Janice Chen — Democratic Party, Kings County
- Marisa Arrabito — Democratic Party, Kings County
- Sheridan Jack-Browne — Democratic Party, 2nd Municipal Court District
- Chidi A. Eze — Democratic Party, 4th Municipal Court District
- Juliet P. Howard — Democratic Party, 6th Municipal Court District
- Duane Frankson — Democratic Party, 7th Municipal Court District
- Dagmar Plaza-Gonzalez — Democratic Party, 7th Municipal Court District
Queens County
- Sheridan C. Chu — Democratic Party, Queens County
- Indira D. Khan — Democratic Party, Queens County
- Oma D. Phillips — Democratic Party, Queens County
- Juliette-Noor Haji — Democratic Party, 1st Municipal Court District
- Thomas G. Wright-Fernandez — Democratic Party, 2nd Municipal Court District
- Eve Cho Guillergan — Democratic Party, 2nd Municipal Court District
- Gail A. Adams — Democratic Party, 4th Municipal Court District
- Fania Jean — Democratic Party, 4th Municipal Court District
- Jennifer A. Tubridy — Democratic Party, 5th Municipal Court District
Richmond County (Staten Island)
- Matthew J. Santamauro — Democratic Party, 1st Municipal Court District
A Renewed Focus on the Bench
This year’s judicial elections mark more than just a shift in positions—they represent New Yorkers’ belief in maintaining fairness, integrity, and access to justice at every level.
As national politics continue to test the limits of the judiciary, these newly elected judges will help define how justice is delivered locally. From the Bronx to Staten Island, their rulings will touch the lives of millions, reaffirming the critical role of courts in upholding democracy and the rule of law.
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