What the 2025 Elections Mean for Contractors in Pennsylvania & New Jersey
As contractors who rely on union labor and value stability in the construction marketplace, it’s worth paying attention to what’s happening on November 4. While national headlines may be quiet, both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have key decisions ahead that will shape the business and labor environment for years to come.
Pennsylvania: Judicial Retention Takes Center Stage
This year’s Pennsylvania ballot focuses largely on judicial retention, meaning voters decide whether sitting judges remain in office. Among those up for retention are three Supreme Court justices: Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht.
These are nonpartisan “Yes” or “No” votes—with no competing candidate—but their impact is anything but minor. The courts these judges sit on regularly rule on:
-
Labor and employment disputes
-
Public-works and contract enforcement
-
State regulatory and tax issues
-
Construction liability and permitting questions
The outcome affects how predictably the law is applied—something every contractor who hires union labor depends on.
While there’s outside chatter about high-profile names and family ties in the labor world, the bigger picture is this: the courts determine the ground rules of our industry.
New Jersey: All Eyes on the Statehouse
Across the river, every seat in the state Assembly and the Governor’s office are on the ballot—an unusually high-stakes election year.
New Jersey’s political direction influences:
-
Prevailing wage and apprenticeship laws
-
Public-works procurement and contractor qualification rules
-
Labor-management relations and project-labor agreements
-
Infrastructure spending and climate-related construction mandates
For contractors and trade unions alike, these policies determine what kinds of projects move forward—and under what conditions.
Why This Matters for SMCA Members
SMCA’s members depend on:
-
Predictable legal rulings
-
Stable labor frameworks
-
Well-funded, well-regulated public projects
Judicial and legislative outcomes that preserve these conditions help our businesses plan, invest, and hire confidently.
SMCA encourages informed participation.
How to Prepare
-
Check your registration
-
PA: vote.pa.gov
-
-
Review your ballot in advance.
-
Vote on Tuesday, November 4. Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. in both states.
Bottom line:
Even in a quieter election year, the results will shape the rules, courts, and policies governing our industry. Staying engaged keeps our trade strong.