Current Judicial Ratings
Superior Court
Judge Brandon Neuman
Rating: Highly Recommended
Since January 1, 2018, the candidate has served as a Common Pleas Court judge and has presided over family law, criminal and civil cases in both jury and non-jury proceedings. The candidate is also involved with the Veterans specialty court in his county and is taking over the program. Prior to his tenure as a Common Pleas judge, the candidate worked under a law firm partner who described the candidate as an extremely hard worker and an excellent attorney. He served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for terms beginning in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 and, while serving as a Representative, he continued his legal work on a part-time basis. The candidate's opinions demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural legal issues and the ability to provide good factual backgrounds and well-developed legal arguments. His colleagues indicate the candidate has a high level of integrity, treats all individuals fairly, has appropriate judicial temperament, is patient with all persons who appear before him and has a record of involvement in community service. Based on the candidate's experience as a practicing attorney, his service in the House of Representatives and his diversified experience as a Common Pleas judge, the commission highly recommends the candidate for election to the Superior Court.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft
Rating: Highly Recommended
The candidate is an experienced jurist known for her high degree of professionalism, good judicial temperament, excellent character, and undisputed integrity. The candidate was a solo practitioner before becoming an assistant district attorney for over ten years. She has served as a common pleas court judge since 2012 and as a trial judge presided over hundreds of cases including criminal and civil cases, jury trials and bench trials. Her opinions are organized, thorough and well-reasoned. The candidate has taken great strides to improve the quality of justice in Chester County. She was involved in the creation and development of treatment courts in Chester County and worked tirelessly for the introduction of comfort dogs in the courtroom. A demonstration of the high regard her colleagues have for her is that she was elected president judge, in 2025. Not only does she volunteer in the community as a board member for several non-profit organizations, but she also teaches newly elected judges and serves on several statewide committees. Due to her broad experience as a practicing attorney, proven record of judicial leadership, high ethical standards and dedication to the legal profession, the commission is confident that the candidate would serve with distinction as a Superior Court judge and highly recommends her candidacy.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Maria Battista
Not Recommended (for failure to participate)
Commonwealth Court
Judge Stella Tsai
Rating: Highly Recommended
The candidate has a long and diverse legal career. Since 2016, she has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Orphans’ Court and the Civil Trial, Criminal Trial and Family Court divisions. Prior to joining the bench, she had extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts, representing insurance companies in environmental matters, the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission and as outside counsel to the City of Philadelphia in high-profile civil rights litigation. The candidate has handled complex domestic and international litigation in the areas of governmental agency audits, real estate and creditors’ rights, as well as land use matters. Her legal writing is clear, concise and thorough, indicating her grasp of legal issues. She currently is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania. Considered enthusiastic, hard-working and fair, her courtroom demeanor has earned the respect of her colleagues as well as that of the attorneys and litigants who appear before her. The candidate's long history of civic and pro bono activities, and her receipt of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Sandra Day O’Connor award, add depth to her legal career. The commission believes that the candidate would perform admirably as a judge on the Commonwealth Court and highly recommends her candidacy.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Matthew L. Wolford
Rating: Highly Recommended
For almost 40 years, the candidate has been litigating all aspects of environmental law in both civil and criminal court at the trial and appellate court levels. Between 1987 and 1999, the candidate held positions at the Office of Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection in Philadelphia and Meadville. In those positions, he litigated on behalf of the Commonwealth and supervised Commonwealth Agency offices. Since 1999, he has been engaged in private practice, concentrating in environmental counseling and representing private individuals and legal entities. He is highly regarded for his work ethic, preparation, common sense, fairness, integrity, prompt and efficient performance and legal expertise in the environmental area. His writings are clear and concise. He is considered to be evenly balanced between the needs for development of natural resources and the protection of the environment and the needs for government regulation and protection of individual property rights. He has been an adjunct college professor and a frequent lecturer to both legal and nonlegal organizations. He has been active in the bar association and community organizations. Based upon his intellect and extensive experience in issues that come before the Commonwealth Court, the commission highly recommends his candidacy for Commonwealth Court.
Read the candidate’s questionnaire.
Joshua Prince
Not Recommended (for failure to participate)