Phoenixville Councilman James Kovaleski To Run For District Judge

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — James Kovaleski, Phoenixville Borough Council president, has announced a bid for district judge in the 2019 election.

The Democratic representative from the West Ward since 2012, Kovaleski will seek office in District Court 15-2-01, which oversees Phoenixville, Schuylkill Township, and Charlestown Township.

"My background as an attorney and as an actively involved member of the community gives me the experience to fulfill the obligations of magisterial district judge with integrity and fairness, upholding an impartiality for individuals before the court," Kovaleski said in his campaign announcement.

He'll run to fill the seat left vacant by outgoing District Judge Theoore Michaels.

Kovaleski is not the first currently serving borough official to announce a run for higher office in 2019. Phoenixville School Board member Lisa Longo announced her candidacy for county Register of Wills last week.

As a magisterial district judge, Kovaleski would be in charge of a variety of local cases, including landlord-tenant matters, preliminary hearings for criminals, traffic issues, and more.

In deciding to run, Kovaleski cited his experience working in the community with organizations like The Clinic, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, Schuylkill River Heritage Center, and The Kimberton Lions Club, and a desire to continue to give back.

The 2019 primary election in Pennsylvania is May 21, and the general election is Nov. 5.

See related coverage on the 2019 election:

• Phoenixville School Board's Lisa Longo Running For Chesco Office
• Former Deputy DA Deb Ryan To Run For Chesco District Attorney

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