From left to right, Top: (Supreme Court) Claudia DePeyster, Brian Gotlieb, Jacqueline Williams. Bottom: (Civil Court) Juliet Howard, Chidi Eze, Janice Chen. — Photos by Phaats Photos / Roger Archer — Janice Chen’s photo courtesy of her campaign
Given how central courts have become in steering national and local policy, the outcomes of New York City’s judicial elections merit attention on par with high-profile political races. Voters across the boroughs selected both seasoned justices ascending to the Supreme Court and several newcomers appointed to Civil Court seats.
Since the Trump years, it has become clear how much influence the judiciary holds over political and social developments. New Yorkers now recognize that from the highest court to community judges, these officials shape the rules of daily life. This year, their votes reflected a new civic focus on the city’s courts.
Why Local Judgeships Count
While news coverage typically highlights Congressional or mayoral contests, it’s the judiciary that quietly influences life throughout New York City—from housing disagreements and financial claims to pressing constitutional controversies. Judges are entrusted with long responsibilities and safeguard fairness in a complicated system.
This year’s voter turnout demonstrates that local court elections command as much importance as those on a national level.
Winners: Supreme Court 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 Judges Elected
From landlord and tenant issues to contract debates and family matters, Civil Court judges resolve many of the personal legal challenges New Yorkers face. The latest Civil Court judges represent the city’s vibrant diversity and legal expertise.
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 (Result currently uncertified)
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
Spotlight Back on New York’s Courts
This year’s election outcomes are about more than just new appointments—they show that New Yorkers care deeply about a fair and equitable justice system for all.
With national political battles testing judicial limits, the newly elected judges in each borough will directly shape how justice is served at home, impacting millions and highlighting the essential place of the courts in democracy.
Subscribe to NYC Politics for regular news, interviews, legislative changes, candidate rundowns, and early information on the 2026 NY State elections.
Leave a Reply