New York’s New Judges: Meet the Supreme & Civil Court Election Winners

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 photo courtesy of the Janice Chen Campaign

With courts playing a critical and ever-growing role in guiding national policy, the outcomes of New York City’s judicial elections warrant considerable public interest. This year, voters across all five boroughs chose new justices and judges, including those moving up to the Supreme Court and many taking on Civil Court roles for the first time.

The Trump era highlighted how profoundly judicial decisions impact daily life and politics. Judges, from the Supreme Court down to local benches, interpret and enforce the laws shaping our existence. This realization has energized local voters, who turned out in force for the city’s court races.

Why These Races Matter

Often overlooked in favor of congressional or mayoral races, judicial positions quietly dictate life in NYC—from landlord-tenant battles to complex constitutional matters. Judges render long-term rulings and are vital to ensuring fairness and accountability in the legal process.

This year, New Yorkers proved that local judicial races are as impactful as national contests.

Supreme Court Winners 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 Winners

Civil Court judges decide the everyday legal cases New Yorkers face—housing, family, contracts, and small claims. The 2023 class highlights the talent and diversity that define the city’s legal landscape.

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 (Results 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

A Refreshed Spotlight on the Courts

This cycle’s elections signal more than changes in personnel—they show how New Yorkers support fairness, trust, and access to justice across the city’s judicial system.

As national politics continue to spotlight the judiciary, these new judges will decide how justice looks in our neighborhoods. Their decisions in courtrooms from the Bronx to Staten Island will shape the day-to-day rights of millions, emphasizing the judiciary’s vital part in democracy.

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