Your go-to guide for this year’s race to the bench

The upcoming election in New York City is set for Nov. 7, and incumbents or challengers of the City Council are not the only candidates on the ballot but candidates looking to make a mark on the judicial bench.

There are a total of 21 contests for various judicial posts across the city, largely in Queens. For these judges, their rise to the bench requires the will of the voters, compared to other judgeship positions, such as those in family or criminal court, who are appointed by the mayor or governor.

Some of the candidates are running unopposed virtually guaranteeing their victory. Others, however, are competitive.

Much of the action this election season is happening in the civil court branch, where judges preside over tenant-landlord disputes, small-claim matters of upwards of $50,000 (a change from $25,000 following a 2021 ballot referendum vote) and low-level criminal offenses. There are civil courts that either oversee an entire borough or are broken into municipal districts per borough. Civil court judges can serve 10-year terms. In most cases, candidates are running unopposed, making them the de facto winner well before voters hit the polls.

This year there are also races for state Supreme Court, the top judicial branch for elected judges presiding over criminal prosecutions and civil cases. There’s also a lone race for Surrogate’s Court, the part of the judicial branch that handles cases on estates, adoptions and wills and testaments. A Surrogate Court judge’s term lasts 14 years. A Surrogate Court judge must vacate their position by age 70 regardless of how many years they are into their term.

Relying on campaign websites, biographies, and other documents, the Daily News used publicly available information to bring you snapshots of who is running for a judicial post. Because these judges are state positions, the city’s ranked-choice voting process will not apply.

Judge of the Civil Court – Manhattan

Voters can choose up to two candidates in this race.

Yael Wilkofsky [Democrat]: A principal law clerk at the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division (First Department), Yael Wilkofsky looks to rise to the bench after over ten years of legal experience in the private and public sector. She was backed this year by the Manhattan Democratic Party as among those “most highly qualified” to ascend to the post.

Dana Marie Catanzaro [Democrat]: A law partner at Litchfield Cavo LLP – specializing in insurance cases – Dana Marie Catanzaro looks to ascend to the bench for the first time. Like Wilkofsky, Catanzaro was also picked by the Manhattan Democratic Party as among the “most highly qualified” to hear a case in civil court.

Justice of the Supreme Court – 1st Judicial District – Manhattan

Registered voters in lower Manhattan will see this race on their ballot. They case choose up to three candidates.

Phaedra Perry [Democrat]: A civil court judge since 2018, Phaedra Perry looks to make the switch to Justice of the Supreme Court after over 20 years of legal experience. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Perry has served as an acting Supreme Court judge and presided over cases at Bronx Criminal Court. She won a civil court judgeship in 2016 after being backed by the Manhattan Democratic Party boss Keith Wright.

Lyle E. Frank [Democrat]: A Criminal Court and Civil Court judge since 2016, Lyle E. Frank has presided over several high profile cases, notably one in which he ruled the city cannot force municipal retiree workers to pay for health coverage. Before becoming a judge, Frank was an attorney for the New York City Council.

Leslie A. Stroth [Democrat]: With stints that include serving as a public defender to working as an assistant district attorney for the New York attorney general to presiding over cases in Housing Court, Leslie A. Stroth has risen up the legal world to serve as an acting Supreme Court justice. Among Stroth’s most recent rulings was one in April this year where she denied the NYPD’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit where five people claimed to be unjustly arrested during the city’s George Floyd protests in 2020.

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 3rd Municipal Court District – Manhattan

This special general election race will appear on the ballot for those living on the West Side of Manhattan between 14th and 64th streets.

Andrea Krugman [Democrat]: The only candidate on the ballot (check), Andrea Krugman looks to lead a courtroom after spending eight years as an arbitrator in Small Claims Court. Her tenure there has coincided with work at the law firm Weiss & Rosenbloom, P.C., which specializes in personal injury, wrongful death and employment discrimination claims. Krugman also picked up an endorsement from the Manhattan Democratic Party.

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 6th Municipal Court District – Manhattan

The special general election race will appear on the ballot for voters registered in Manhattan’s East Side from 59th to 110th streets. Voters can choose one candidate.

Anna Mikhaleva [Democrat]: A law clerk at the New York Supreme Court’s civil branch, Anna Mikhaleva is the lone candidate for the seat. She was endorsed this year by the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club.

Judge of the Civil Court – 7th Municipal Court District- Manhattan

Registered voters living in Washington Heights and Inwood will see this special general election race on their ballot. Voters can choose one candidate.

Denise Dominguez [Public Service Party]: With her tenure expiring this year as a judge on the civil court circuit, Judge Denise Dominguez is seeking another term on the bench. Prior to becoming a judge, Dominguez served as attorney for the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division.

Judge of the Civil Court – County – Bronx

All registered voters in the Bronx will see this race on the ballot. Voters can choose one candidate.

Joaquin E. Orellana [Democrat]: An attorney for nearly 20 years, Joaquin E. Orellana is running unopposed to serve as a civil court judge. His legal background includes employment law and personal injury and he’s worked at various private firms over the years. He is running unopposed.

Justice of the Supreme Court – 12th Judicial District – Bronx

Voters registered to vote in the Bronx will see the following three names on their ballot. They can choose up to three.

Michael A. Frishman [Democrat]: Presiding over criminal cases in Bronx Supreme Court since last year, Judge Michael Frishman seeks to make the shift to serve as a judge for Bronx Supreme Court’s 12th Judicial District. Frishman has lent his legal experience outside the court, having taught mock trials at two Bronx schools.

Sharon A.M. Aarons [Democrat]: Seeking re-election, Sharon Aarons has presided over two courts since 2003. She was appointed to the Third Department by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, becoming the first Black and Jamaican woman to be appointed to the office. Aarons is also an adjunct professor for schools that include the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Bronx Community College and Lehman College.

John A. Howard-Algarin [Democrat]: Having won a spot as a jurist for Bronx County civil court’s 2nd municipal district, John A. Howard-Algarin looks to make the leap presiding over more high-profile matters as a jurist in Bronx Supreme Court. Howard-Algarin’s career dates back to the 1990s, when he began practicing law in Maryland for a private firm before moving back to New York City.

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 1st Municipal Court District – Bronx

Voters living in the north end of the Bronx will see this race appear on their ballot.

Carol Elaine Malcolm [Democrat]: A senior court attorney, Carol Elaine Malcolm looks to use her experience helping to draft legal decisions for the court in her race to become a judge for the 1st Municipal District. Malcolm’s career goes back to 2002.

Edit Shkreli [Democrat]: Edit Shkreli has been working the judicial circuit in the public arena, serving as a court attorney on the civil court level. Her campaign seeks to foster “justice and fairness in the legal system, particularly for underserved communities,” according to Atlantiku, a digital outlet focused on accomplishments from Albanian Americans.

Judge of the Civil Court – 6th Municipal Court District – Queens

Registered voters in Flushing, Whitestone and Fresh Meadows can only pick one candidate.

Evelyn Gong [Democrat]: Evelyn Gong’s legal experience has taken her from helping Fortune 500 companies to representing children in need. While she was endorsed by the Queens Democratic Party, various law enforcement unions and local elected leaders, she was not backed by the New York City Bar Association during the June primary for previously donating to political campaigns.

William D. Shanahan [Republican/Conservative]: William Shanahan has spent over 30 years litigating cases in the criminal and civil courts, both as an senior assistant district attorney for the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and in private practice. He’s worked in Wall Street, insurance giant Allstate and done some pro bono work for clients unable to pay for his services.

Justice of the Supreme Court – 11th Judicial District – Queens

Registered voters in Queens can choose up to five candidates for this race.

Cassandra A. Johnson [Democrat]: After winning a judgeship two years ago in Queens Civil Court 4th Judicial District, Johnson looks to transition to the 11th Judicial District. Prior to becoming a judge, Johnson served for several years a referee for Queens Supreme Court, where she presided over trials and hearings focused on foreclosures, matrimony disputes and other cases. She also worked as an attorney for the city’s Human Resources Administration.

Gary Muraca [Republican]: Backed by the Queens Republican Party, Gary Muraca looks to take his decades of experience as an attorney to the bench, following in the footsteps of his brother who is a judge on Long Island. Muraca’s legal background includes handling real estate, immigration, criminal, and matrimonial cases.

Karen Lin [Democrat]: Karen Lin has etched a long career in the New York’s judicial system, working as an attorney representing clients in Family Court, a chief of staff to a Manhattan state Senator, and a principal attorney in New York Supreme Court. Her legal experience has been lauded by the New York City Bar Association and Queens Bar Association.

Peter J. Kelly [Democrat]: Peter J. Kelly’s experience on the bench goes back to the 1990s, when he served as a civil court judge in Queens. Since 2011, Kelly has served as a judge in Surrogate’s Court, with his term expiring next year. He began his career as a law clerk.

Scott Dunn [Democrat/Republican]: Since 2017, Scott Dunn has presided as a judge in Queens Criminal Court after spending 30 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, specializing in immigration cases. Dunn is also the only candidate in the race to run on both the Democratic and Republican tickets.

Jessica Earle-Gargan [Democrat]: A judge at Queens Civil Court, Jessica Earle-Gargan’s legal career spans into Brooklyn, where she served as an assistant district attorney. After a stint working in the legal department for State Farm Insurance, Earle-Gargan began working in the Queens judicial system where she served as a principal attorney and principal court before becoming a judge.

Judge of the Civil Court – Queens County

Registered voters in Queens will see this race appear on their ballot. Voters can only choose one candidate.

Sandra Pérez [Democrat]: With experience representing defendants and plaintiffs, Sandra Pérez says she has a “unique perspective on the intricacies of our justice system.” Pérez served as an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn before moving to private practice. During her run for the June primary, Pérez was backed by the Queens County Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association.

Sharmela Bachu [Republican]: The owner of a private practice specializing in personal injury that’s been open for the last 30 years in Kew Gardens, Sharmela Bachu looks to parlay her experience to the civil court on the Republican line.

Judge of the Civil Court – 1st Municipal Court District – Queens

The district covers Long Island City and Astoria. Voters can choose one candidate.

Michael H. Goldman [Democrat]: After coming up short in the race for civil court judge in 2021, Michael Goldman looks to make history as the first openly gay judge for the Queens civil court system (check). His legal experience goes back nearly 30 years, working most of his professional career in New York’s courts, serving as a court attorney, law clerk and a small claims arbitrator for the borough’s courts.

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 4th Municipal Court District – Queens

Voters registered in Jamaica and Laurelton will choose one candidate.

Delsia G. Marshall [Democrat]: Delsia Marshall is currently running her own practice on personal injury law and now looks to take her decades of experience as a civil court judge for Queens 4th Municipal District. She’s represented clients on both sides of the aisle, litigating cases in car crashes along with slips and falls.

Judge of the Civil Court – 2nd Municipal Court District – Queens

Sandra M. Muńoz [Democrat]: An attorney with a private practice in Queens specializing in family disputes, Sandra Muńoz is running unopposed for the judicial seat having secured support from the Queens Democratic Party.

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 1st Municipal Court District – Brooklyn

Voters registered in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights and parts of Park Slope can choose one candidate.

Rena Malik [Democrat]: With a decade of experience working as a law clerk and principal attorney at various branches, Rena Malik is set to take the reins as a civil court judge. Malik – whose experience includes handling child welfare and civil forfeiture cases – picked up the endorsement of the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, South Asians for America and numerous elected officials.

Surrogate Court Judge – Brooklyn

Voters registered in Brooklyn can choose up to one candidate.

Bernard J. Graham [Democrat]: Currently an acting surrogate court judge, Bernard J. Graham seeks to make it official after being chosen for the spot early this year after the previous judge, Harriet L. Thompson, was removed from the position after allegedly making homophobic and racist remarks. Graham has been a judge since 2005, serving in Brooklyn Family Court and later the Kings County Supreme Court.

Judge of the Civil Court – Brooklyn

Voters registered in Brooklyn can choose up to four candidates.

Linda Wilson [Democrat]: A first-time candidate for Kings County Civil Court judge, Linda Wilson has a legal background as a senior principal law clerk, court mediator for Small Claims Court, and volunteer work in Housing Court.

Betsey Jean-Jacques [Democrat]: A principal attorney at Kings County Supreme Court, Betsey Jean-Jacques looks to take her experience in drafting decisions to the bench. Prior to serving as a principal attorney, Jean-Jacques served as an attorney for the Supreme Court’s Mental Hygiene Legal Service division, where she represented clients with mental illness.

Marva C. Brown [Working Families, Democrat]: An attorney with the Legal Aid Society representing clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges, Marva C. Brown has built a resume that also includes serving as a mentor for newly hired attorneys. Her work has taken her to courtrooms in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Nassau County. Brown – the only Democrat also running on the Working Families Party line – is backed by the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Monique J. Holaman [Democrat]: Monique Holaman’s résumé includes a brief stint at a Long Island-based law firm before spending the bulk of her career as a court attorney for the Kings County Supreme Court where she’s worked on cases involving consumer debt, guardianship, and personal injury, among others. The Brooklyn Democratic Party endorsed Holaman’s run for the bench.

Justice of the Supreme Court – 2nd Judicial District – Brooklyn

Rachel E. Freier [Democrat, Conservative, Republican]: After unsuccessfully running for Brooklyn Supreme Court last year, attorney Rachel Freier looks to become the first woman of Hasidic descent elected to the bench. Currently an acting Supreme Court judge, Freier had practiced law privately before winning a 2016 election for judge.

Sharon A. B. Clarke [Democrat, Conservative, Republican]: A criminal court judge following her 2014 election to a civil judgeship, Sharon A. B. Clarke has 30 years of experience working in New York City’s judicial system.

Joanne Quiñones [Democrat, Conservative, Republican]: An acting Supreme Court Justice handling criminal and matrimonial cases, Joanne Quiñones began her career on the bench in 2010 after being appointed by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Caroline Piela Cohen [Democrat]: A civil court judge since 2020, Caroline Piela Cohen’s legal background includes serving as a landlord-tenant attorney for a private law firm. Her candidacy received the backing of the New York City Bar Association.

Timothy J. Peterson [Republican]: After failing to get on the ballot for the 47th Council District race, attorney Timothy Peterson is hoping to make a run for the bench a success. An attorney specializing in cyberlaw and intellectual property, Peterson was not backed by the New York City Bar Association.

Heela Capell [Democrat, Conservative, Republican]: Civil Court Judge Heela Capell rose to her current spot in 2021 after being appointed a Housing Court judge in 2018. She is most famously known for posting hundreds of social media videos teaching followers on conflict resolution.

Saul Stein [Democrat, Conservative, Republican]: A judge who’s worked in Criminal and Civil Courts, Saul Stein has served on the bench since 2020 after spending several years clerking for a Manhattan Supreme Court judge. Stein also worked for a private law firm Clifford Chance, considered a big-shoe firm with offices in New York City. According to Jewish Insider, Stein will be the youngest judge in Brooklyn to preside in the Supreme Court if elected.

Judge of the Civil Court – 3rd Municipal Court District – Brooklyn

Registered voters in the district can vote for one candidate on the ballot.

Javier Ortiz [Democrat]: Javier Ortiz’s legal experience goes back to 2007, when he began as a legal assistant before becoming the town attorney for the town of Babylon on Long Island. Since 2015, Ortiz has worked within New York City’s legal system, starting as a court attorney for New York City before landing work as a public administrator for the Office of Public Administrator in Brooklyn.

Judge of the Civil Court – 2nd Municipal Court District – Brooklyn

Lola Waterman [Democrat]: A special referee handling matrimonial affairs, Lola Waterman began her career as an attorney for her own private practice specializing in real estate matters while providing immigration services for clients. She unsuccessfully ran for Civil Court in 2020.

Babatunde Akowe [Democrat]: Babatunde Akowe’s legal experience has largely been within New York City agencies. He’s currently serving as a staff counsel reviewing contracts for the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. He also served as an attorney for the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery and the city Department of Corrections, handling procurement and contracts.

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 2nd Municipal Court District – Staten Island

Voters living in the eastern side of Staten Island from Tompkinsville to Tottenville can choose one candidate.

Michael J. Pinto [Republican, Conservative]: With stints that include interning for WNBC-TV to running a performing arts non-profit on Staten Island, Michael J. Pinto has an eclectic résumé. After spending three years as a court attorney for Richmond County, Pinto is now looking to climb the judicial ladder by serving as a judge for Staten Island’s 2nd Municipal Court district.