Top row (left to right): Supreme Court — Claudia DePeyster, Brian Gotlieb, Jacqueline Williams. Bottom row: Civil Court — Juliet Howard, Chidi Eze, Janice Chen. Photos by Phaats Photos / Roger Archer. Janice Chen photo courtesy Janice Chen Campaign.
The pivotal role of the judiciary was underscored again this year in New York City, as voters across the five boroughs cast ballots not only in major races but also for vital court seats. New justices now head to the Supreme Court bench, and a diverse group joins Civil Court for the first time.
Recent years have reminded voters just how significant the power of judges really is. Whether at the Supreme Court level or presiding locally, judges’ rulings shape nearly every aspect of civic and daily life. New Yorkers are paying attention, as shown by increased turnout for court vacancies.
The Importance of Judicial Elections
Although mayoral and congressional battles capture most headlines, it’s judicial decisions that determine so many aspects of life in New York—from housing and contract disputes to major constitutional matters. Judges serve for years and influence core questions of fairness.
This year, city voters reaffirmed the reality that judicial races at all levels carry great weight.
Supreme Court Winners in NYC
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 Results
The city’s Civil Court is where everyday legal issues are handled—housing, contracts, family matters, and more. New judges bring a wealth of backgrounds and skills to these important roles.
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 (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
Emphasizing Judicial Service
These election results not only reflect new appointments but also the city’s collective commitment to fair and consistent justice.
As the country wrestles with the independence of the judiciary, New York’s new judges will have the opportunity to define and defend justice for millions across the city’s neighborhoods.
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