Statement on the Passing of PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer

The Board and staff of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania express our deep condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer.

Justice Baer served the state of Pennsylvania with pragmatism, strong principles, and caring leadership. His service to the Commonwealth will not be forgotten.

Given Justice Baer’s passing, it now falls to state executive and legislative leadership to fill his vacancy. As such, the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania calls on Governor Wolf to appoint a new Justice, and for the Senate to confirm this appointment quickly before the end of the legislative session.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania urges our elected officials  to appoint and confirm a person of color to the PA Supreme Court. This is a unique opportunity to make the highest Court in the state more  representative of Pennsylvania citizens. The entirety of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is white men and women, despite almost 25% percent of Pennsylvanians identifying as people of color. Now is the time to rectify this. We would note that elected officials from both parties talked about improving representation in the redistricting process. 

There are too many important issues facing our state to let this important seat be vacant. We encourage Governor Wolf and the legislature to proceed quickly to nominate and confirm a replacement for Justice Baer to honor his service to Pennsylvania.