Judicial elections: What to know for 2025 | amNewYork

"The state's uniquely named top trial court called supreme, but beneath the state Court of Appeals is on the ballot in the Nov. 4 general election for most New York City voters. New York Supreme Courts, and their more than 300 elected judges across the state's 62 counties, handle both civil and criminal cases. They have jurisdiction over civil matters that exceed lower-level civil courts' authority, including cases over $25,000, as well as divorce, separation and annulment proceedings."

"While Supreme Courts have statewide jurisdiction, New York City Civil Courts rule only within their respective counties. The courts handle lawsuits up to $25,000 and assess small claims cases concerning amounts up to $5,000, in addition to other cases referred from state Supreme Courts. Unlike judges in New York City Criminal Court, who are appointed by the mayor, Civil Court judges are elected to 10-year terms. They can serve until the end of the year in which they turn 70 years old."

"Of the state's 13 Supreme Court districts, five are in New York City, and four of those are on this year's ballot. In Manhattan, six judges are running for four seats. Nine judges are up for as many positions in Brooklyn. In Queens, voters will pick between seven candidates for five seats, and two are vying for a sole spot in Staten Island."

Early voting in New York began Oct. 25, 2025, and the Nov. 4 general election includes numerous judicial races across the city. New York Supreme Court serves as the primary trial court beneath the Court of Appeals, with over 300 elected judges in 62 counties handling major civil and criminal matters, including cases over $25,000 and family law proceedings. State Supreme Court judges serve 14-year terms and may remain until Dec. 31 of the year they turn 70. Four of the five city Supreme Court districts are on the ballot with varied candidate contests. New York City Civil Courts handle claims up to $25,000 (small claims up to $5,000); Civil Court judges serve 10-year terms, may serve until year-end of age 70, run in party primaries, and must collect petition signatures to appear on the ballot.

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