This year's primary election falls on May 19, the same day as Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Kevin Dougherty's birthday. On that day, he hopes voters will select him as the Democratic nominee for State Supreme Court in November's general election. 

"I'm running for the Supreme Court, so I can bring my sense of justice, my sense of equality for all," said Dougherty. "I've dedicated my life to the marginalized, the at-risk, the poor, the working poor. I will make sure all voices and all people will be heard."

Today, Dougherty received an early birthday present when four local government officials endorsed him for the Supreme Court seat. At a press conference at the Allegheny County Courthouse, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, County Treasurer John Weinstein and District 8 Pittsburgh City Councilor Dan Gilman announced their endorsement. District Attorney Stephen Zappala is also endorsing Dougherty, but was unable to attend. 


"This is a very important election that's important, not just locally, but across the state," said Fitzgerald.

Gilman cited Dougherty's "passion for fairness, justice and equality," as reasons to endorse him for Supreme Court.

"There are so many issues that are important to our working-class families ... that are going to come up before the Supreme Court," said Councilor Gilman.

At the press conference, the local representatives highlighted the importance of the upcoming Supreme Court election in which three seats will be decided.

"The court has gone through a lot of issues, as we all know, and it's time for impeccable integrity," said County Treasurer Weinstein‎.