Democrats Sweep Chester County Judge, DA, Sheriff And Other Races

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Democrats Tuesday continued the trend that started in 2019 when the GOP lost control of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, District Attorney, Sheriff, and School Boards.

In 2019, Democrats Josh Maxwell and Marian Moscowitz won seats on the three-member board. They again easily captured a second four-year term, with both candidates winning more than 85,000 votes each, with the top Republican candidate, Eric Roe, taking the third seat on the board, winning more than 68,000 votes.

By law, the board of commissioners requires one minority party member.

Maxwell thanked the voters. "I'm over the moon,” he said in a Facebook post.

Roe said he is thankful for the encouragement of his former boss, Michelle Kichline, who decided not to run for county commissioner again, citing her belief in term limits.

Roe thanked God and his supporters for the privilege to serve.

Moskowitz said she values all of the opportunities Chester County has offered her.

"I’m honored by your vote of approval on the progress we’ve made in our first term and vote of confidence that we’ll continue that hard work in our next one," Moskowitz said in a Facebook post.

The board of commissioners oversees a $670 million budget.

In 2024, the commissioners will continue to focus on upgrading the county jail in Pocopson Township, following two prison escapes, including one by convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante, who was on the run for weeks, causing a massive manhunt and terrifying county residents. Cavalcante is in the state Correctional Institution at Phoenix, Montgomery County, serving a life sentence for murder.

School Boards

Hans von Mol, a Tredyffrin Township Democratic Zone leader, said the Democrats won all five seats on the Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board and other boards throughout the county.

“In my opinion, there were so many countywide races that brought voters to the Democratic party and to vote in the school board races,” he said, noting the school boards have a direct impact on families.

On Tuesday night, all five Democratic candidates won seats on Tredyffrin/Easttown, Phoenixville Area, Great Valley, and West Chester Area school boards.

Courts: Judges, District Attorney And Sheriff

The Democratic candidates also swept the court races for five judgeships, district attorney and sheriff.

Democratic candidates Sarah B. Black, Deb Ryan, Freda Maddox, Nicole Forzato, and Thomas McCabe will be seated in January on the 13-judge Chester County bench.

Democrat Christopher de Barrena Sarobe won the race for district attorney, the chief law enforcement officer who leads a staff of prosecutors and detectives.

Kevin Dykes, chief deputy sheriff, won the race to become the sheriff, a job to maintain safety in the county justice center and courthouse.