Primary voters in Pennsylvania piked nominees for the four open seats in the state’s appellate-level Superior court in primary elections on Tuesday. The Democrats also settled their nominees in a big field running for two open seats on Commonwealth Court.

The races made up the only statewide contests on the primary ballot.

Democrats picked judges Carolyn Nichols and Maria McLaughlin of Philadelphia, Judge Deborah Anne Kunselman of Beaver County and incumbent  Superior court judge Geoff Moulton for seats on Superior Court that takes criminal, civil and family court appeals from all the counties across the state. Moulton will try to retain his position to which he was appointed last year after serving as a top lawyer in Democratic Governor Tom Wolf's administration.

Whereas, Republicans picked judge Wade Kagarise of Blair County, District Attorney Craig Stedman of Lancaster County, Judge Emil Giordano of Northampton County and Allegheny County’s district judge Mary Murray.

Each party had five candidates on the ballot.

Democrats picked Judge Ellen Ceisler of Philadelphia and awyer Irene McLaughlin Clark of Pittsburgh for two open seats on Commonwealth Court. It is an appellate-level court that handles matters in which government agencies are a party.

They were selected from a field of six candidates.

Republicans picked judge Christine Fizzano Cannon of Delaware County and lawyer Paul Lalley of Paul Lalley.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court has a 5-2 Democratic majority, incumbent Justice Sallie Mundy was appointed last year is the lone Republican candidate.

She will face Judge Dwayne Woodruff of Allegheny County, who is an ex-Pittsburgh Steeler and was alone on the ballot for Democrats.

AMandeep