Our 2025 Democratic Candidates
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Superior Court: Judge Brandon Neuman
Judge Brandon Neuman has served on the Washington County Court of Common Pleas for nearly a decade, presiding over Civil and Veterans Court after years on the Criminal and Family Court bench. A former four-term State Representative and Judiciary Committee member, he authored reforms to eliminate Pennsylvania’s rape kit backlog and strengthen victims’ rights. A lifelong Washington County resident, Judge Neuman brings deep legislative and judicial experience to the pursuit of justice.
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Commonwealth Court: Judge Stella Tsai
Judge Stella Tsai has served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas since 2016, bringing nearly a decade of judicial experience across the Criminal, Civil, Family, and Orphans’ Court Divisions. A proud Pennsylvanian and daughter of immigrants, she grew up in central Pennsylvania and has devoted her legal career to public service, integrity, and equal justice under the law. Judge Tsai is committed to applying the law fairly, upholding constitutional principles, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian can trust the courts to serve with independence, compassion, and common sense.
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County Executive: Christina Vogel
Christina Vogel is a lifelong Erie County resident, local business owner, and community leader. She built two Donatos Pizza franchises from the ground up—creating over $4 million in wages and empowering more than 30 employees to earn above a living wage. As a founding trustee of the Erie County Community College, Christina helped turn the vision of affordable, local higher education into a reality. From her home in West County to her business investments in the East, she’s committed to building a stronger future for all of Erie.
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Court of Common Pleas: Emily Mosco Merski
Emily Mosco Merski is a lifelong Erie County resident, experienced courtroom advocate, and proud graduate of Mercyhurst. For over a decade, she has built a broad legal practice spanning criminal appeals, family law, and child advocacy—representing hundreds of clients and arguing more than 200 appeals across five counties. From the Public Defender’s Office to Safenet, she has worked on behalf of parents, victims, and children caught in crisis, always centering fairness and compassion. Emily brings a steady hand, sharp legal mind, and deep community roots to the bench. She’s ready to serve with integrity from Day One.
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Sheriff: Chris Campanelli
Sheriff Chris Campanelli is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and lifelong public servant with nearly 30 years of experience in the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. Before being elected Sheriff, he rose through the ranks as Lieutenant overseeing Court operations and Captain managing the Warrant Unit and daily department functions. He leads with fairness, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public trust. Sheriff Campanelli believes the badge represents a promise to serve all residents with integrity and respect. He’s honored to continue protecting Erie County and asks for your support in the upcoming election.
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Clerk of Records: Aubrea Hagerty Haynes
Aubrea Hagerty-Haynes has served Erie County for over two decades and currently leads as Clerk of Records, bringing deep experience in criminal records and court administration. She was the county’s first Deputy Clerk of Courts and has worked in the Clerk’s office since 2006, steadily rising through the ranks. Aubrea is also a longtime community volunteer, proud hockey mom, and active supporter of local schools. She is committed to transparency, efficiency, and service to the people of Erie County.