On Tuesday, Judge John Foradora of Jefferson County officially announced his candidacy for Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Speaking to supporters in Brockway, PA Foradora spoke about a need for more rural influence in the Pennsylvania judicial system.

“Pennsylvania is much more, much bigger, than just Philadelphia and Pittsburgh,” Judge Foradora said. “Pennsylvania has the second largest rural population in the U.S. – it is time our Supreme Court reflected that population.”

Since his election in 2001, Judge Foradora has held the position of President Judge of the Jefferson County court system. He was also the first ever Democrat elected to Jefferson County Judge.

Relating with his small town audience, Foradora spoke about how his experience in a one-judge county differs from that of his opponents.

“Unlike the other candidates in this race, as President Judge of a one-judge county, I have been on the front line of every type of case that can came before the Court – criminal cases, misdemeanors to murder; divorce, custody, dependency, adoptions, property disputes, medical malpractice, contract disputes – you name it, I’ve seen it,” Judge Foradora said.

In the coming weeks, Judge Foradora plans to travel the state and meet voters while talking about his vision for the Supreme Court.

“To have a truly balanced court, and to truly clean it up, we need a Justice who has seen what life looks like for Pennsylvanians who live in the vast “T” that is often overlooked in elections,” he said.

“I know with my experience and the values I hold deep in my heart I can help clean up our Supreme Court.”