News & Brews December 19, 2025
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For lessons in civility, look to courtrooms
Pennsylvania state Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bronson has an exceptional op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer, positing that “in the courtroom, there remains a model for conflict that doesn’t turn toxic. There, fierce disagreement unfolds with civility when the stakes couldn’t be higher.” Brobson continues, “Law is built on the recognition that reasonable, ethical people can look at the same facts and reach opposite conclusions…. In court, a lawyer does not shout down an opponent. A judge does not belittle the losing side.” And then, “Afterward, no matter the outcome, the two [sides’ attorneys] shake hands.” In today’s polarization, Brobson concludes, “The courts remind us of a better way. American justice is built on adversaries treating one another as colleagues, with respect and decency, bound by a higher purpose.”
Dems won’t release 2024 post-mortem
The Democratic National Committee will not release the findings of its autopsy of the 2024 elections. The New York Times reports that per a DNC spokesperson, chair Ken Martin “believes that looking back so publicly and painfully at the past would prove counterproductive for the party as it tries next year to take back power in Congress.” More likely, the DNC realizes just how bad the cause of death was and they’re too embarrassed to let the world know.
Special elections set for two House seats
Pa. House Speaker Joanna McClinton has designated February 24 as the date for two special elections to fill House seats left vacant by resignations of members to take other offices. Democrat Rep. Josh Siegel was elected Lehigh County Executive. And Democrat Rep. Dan Miller was elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Democrats hold a one-seat majority in the House. Here’s hoping another “leaky roof syndrome” doesn’t break out and inspire Dems to avoid voting until majority-making seats are filled.
A look at Dems’ 2025 Pa. victories
Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia published an analysis of Democrats’ 2025 victories in Pennsylvania—and what it might mean for the future. Among the key points of the piece: “In swing counties like Erie and Northampton, Democratic county executive nominees outperformed Kamala Harris’s 2024 showing, including with Hispanic voters.” And “Republicans did continue to narrow Democrats’ statewide voter registration advantage throughout 2025, although Democrats did end the year on a better note.”
Pa. higher ed board releases strategic plan
Yesterday, the state Board of Higher Education “rolled out its first strategic plan,” the Inquirer reports. The plan comes amid declining enrollment and, frankly, at-times ridiculous costs. The plan has six goals: “Increase postsecondary attainment, Ensure affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, Support the economic development needs of the state, Support the workforce development needs of the state, Ensure accountability and efficient use of state funds, and Strengthen the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector.”