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.
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.
Manhattan (1st Judicial District)
Brooklyn (2nd Judicial District)
Queens (11th Judicial District)
Staten Island (13th Judicial District)
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)
Bronx County
Kings County (Brooklyn)
Queens County
Richmond County (Staten Island)
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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