Spring 2025 Endorsements
The Spring Primary Election is coming up on May 20! Over the past three months, we have worked with open wards across our city to research, interview, and discuss the candidates to make recommendations to our neighbors. Your First Ward committee people proudly recommend the following candidates:
Philadelphia District Attorney
Larry Krasner
During his first two terms Krasner fought back against attacks on our rights. He sued Elon Musk to protect our voting rights and reduced unfair and prejudiced practices that had plagued the District Attorney's office for decades. Philly’s murder rate has dropped 25% since Krasner’s first year in office, and he has made major progress in reducing mass incarceration by reducing sentences for nonviolent offenders and in holding police accountable.
Endorsed 02/20/2025
PA Superior Court
Judge Brandon Neuman
Judge Neuman has served as a judge for 8 years, ruling in a high-profile case to protect voters’ rights. He is highly recommended by the PA Bar Association.
Endorsed 03/20/2025
PA Commonwealth Court
Judge Stella Tsai
Judge Tsai was elected to the Court of Common Pleas in Philly in 2017 and has served in almost all courts: Criminal, Civil, Orphans, and Family. She has earned the top distinction of being highly recommended by both the Philadelphia and PA Bar Associations.
Endorsed 03/20/2025
Philadelphia Municipal Court
Amanda Davidson
Endorsed 03/20/25
Cortez Patton
Endorsed 03/20/25
Philadelphia Common Pleas Court
In voting to endorse these candidates, we considered their courtroom experience and their responses to interview questions about how they would prioritize the needs of everyday people in their courtrooms.
Will Braveman
Irina Ehrlich
Kia Ghee
Taniesha Henry
Sarah Jones
Leon King, II
Brian Kisielewski
Deborah Watson-Stokes
Endorsed 03/20/35 & 04/17/25
Controller
Christy Brady
Brady is our current City Controller, and she works to ensure that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.
Endorsed 04/17/2025
Ballot Questions
Question 1: Increase Minimum Spending on Housing Trust Fund? ‘YES’
Philadelphia’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is dedicated to the development of new affordable housing opportunities, for the preservation and repair of existing housing, and for homelessness prevention. This change fixes a loophole that deprived the HTF of receiving funds from developers’ payments in lieu of providing affordable housing.
Question 2: Create an Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson? ‘YES’
In order for the city to fulfill its duty to meet the needs of the homeless, the office of the homeless services ombudsperson shall act as an advocate for Philadelphians experiencing homelessness and their families. This office will provide necessary oversight and accountability for the city’s provision of homeless services.
Question 3: Create a Prison Oversight Board and Office? ‘YES’
The Office of Prison Oversight will promote the safety, health, and well-being of incarcerated people by increasing transparency and accountability regarding the operation of the city’s correctional facilities.
Endorsed 04/17/25