Oct 17, 2025 2 min read

In a recent poll, members of the Washington County Bar Association (WCBA) voted that Judge John DiSalle should be retained. Bar association members were asked to consider in their decision the judge’s integrity, legal ability, diligence, and judicial temperament.

WCBA is an organization of lawyers who practice law in Washington County. Only members who primarily work or live in Washington County were eligible to vote. WCBA and its Court Relations Committee organized the poll of members as a public service for voters heading to the polls on Nov. 4. Deana Stephens, WCBA president, said in a recent letter to the editor, “WCBA members have practiced before this judge, and their perspective should be valuable to the public.”

Regarding the results of the poll, “the bar association takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that qualified incumbent judges are retained,” said Stephens. “With a 72% retention vote for Judge DiSalle, we are confident in recommending his retention,” she added. Ballots were mailed to 309 eligible voting members, with 156 ballots returned.

DiSalle is on the ballot for the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, 27th Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Retention elections are non-partisan, uncontested yes-or-no votes. If the retention candidate receives more yes votes than no votes, then the judge is retained for another 10-year term. DiSalle was first elected in 2005 and this is his second retention election.