Mar 11, 2025 3 min read

Incumbent Magisterial District Judge James “Jim” Saieva Jr. announced his reelection bid for district court that covers Canonsburg, Houston and North Strabane Township.

Saieva, who has been a district judge for more than five years, touted his proven ability to be reasonable, collected and unbiased when handling thousands of traffic, non-traffic, civil, landlord/tenant and criminal cases that have come before him during his time on the bench.

He has also issued hundreds of emergency “Protection From Abuse” orders when needed in his fight against domestic violence. He has attended the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg yearly to obtain recertification to strengthen his skills and knowledge as a judge.

Saieva said he takes pride in the fact that his office has had exceptional audits – performed by both the state of Pennsylvania and Washington County – with zero findings and no further recommendations needed. He credited his reliable staff for the cost-effective work they do each day.

“We’ve worked collaboratively since day one in my office (in) January 2020,” Saieva said.

As a campaign promise, Saieva instituted a change in office hours in his first term to readily accommodate residents when scheduling their hearings, extending the office hours on Mondays until 6 p.m., thus preventing work or school hours to be missed.

“As Magisterial District Judge, I have the chance to make a positive impact on people on a case-by-case basis as well as an individual-by-individual basis.” Saieva said. “I always encourage individuals to claim accountability for their actions. I commend them for taking the necessary steps to better themselves and support them throughout the process.”

Saieva ran for office in 2019 after retiring from Canonsburg Borough Police Department, serving 25 years as a police officer. In earlier years, he was employed at Hanover Township Police Department and Houston Borough Police Department.

He was involved in an incident in 2016 where he was exposed to gunfire and shot by a suspect during a domestic violence incident in Canonsburg. His partner and friend, Canonsburg police Officer Scott Bashioum, was killed, along with Dalia Sabae and her unborn child.

As a result of Saieva’s actions during the incident, he was awarded for his bravery and commitment to his community. Saieva received the U.S. House of Representatives-Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition Award; Canonsburg’s Medal of Honor; Canonsburg Police Purple Heart Award; FBI-Exceptional Service in the Public Service Award; Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police Valor Award; 2017 Amen Corner Senator John Heinz Law Enforcement Above and Beyond Award; and Washington County 911 Hard Work, Dedication, Sacrifice and Service to the Community Award.

After the incident, Saieva decided to run for magistrate so he could continue to serve and protect the Borough of Canonsburg, as well as the surrounding territories.

Saieva said he believes justice is served when everyone has fair access to the court system regardless of their disability, ethnicity, gender, income, race, religion, etc. He has continued to be available for arraignments, search warrants or arrest warrants at any time to aid law enforcement.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Edinboro University and graduated from the Municipal Police Academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, class of 1986. He also is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 22 and vice president for many years, Firearms Owners Against Crime, Muse Italian Independent Club, and the Washington County Republican Party.

Saieva has made Houston his home for the past three decades with his wife of 32 years. They have adult children.

He is a Republican who plans to cross-file for the May 20 primary election.