This year’s judicial retention election in Pennsylvania told an old story with new meaning — the story of David and Goliath.

On one side stood enormous wealth and political influence. A billionaire-funded mail campaign tried to convince voters that our Supreme Court justices were responsible for partisan gerrymandering. The message was simple but false. In truth, these justices struck down one of the most extreme gerrymanders in the nation, restoring fairness and ensuring that voters — not politicians — decide our elections.

So why the attack? Because fair maps shift power away from special interests and back to the people — and that’s something those in power rarely surrender quietly.

Despite misleading ads and deep pockets, Pennsylvania voters stood their ground. Civic groups, community volunteers, and everyday citizens spread accurate information — not with billion-dollar budgets, but through trust and conversation. When Election Day came, voters chose fairness and retained the judges who upheld it.

In an era when many states are watching their courts become politicized, Pennsylvanians reaffirmed that our judiciary remains an essential constitutional guardrail. By protecting these justices, voters protected the integrity of future elections — and the right of every citizen to have their vote count equally.

David didn’t win because he was bigger or richer. He won because he stood for what was right — and so did Pennsylvania.

Margaret A. Hartmann

Cresco