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Judith McCormick Higgins
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Judith McCormick Higgins (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Pennsylvania State Senate to represent District 28. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
McCormick Higgins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Judith McCormick Higgins was born in Wichita, Kansas. She served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 1978 to 1991. McCormick Higgins' career experience includes working as an adjunct professor and small business owner. She has been affiliated with the Affordable Housing Association, Salem Square Community Association, and York County Federation of Democratic Women.[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28
Incumbent Kristin Phillips-Hill defeated Judith McCormick Higgins in the general election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Kristin Phillips-Hill (R) | 66.9 | 75,419 |
 | Judith McCormick Higgins (D)  | 33.1 | 37,316 | |
| Total votes: 112,735 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28
Judith McCormick Higgins advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Judith McCormick Higgins | 99.3 | 15,142 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 113 | ||
| Total votes: 15,255 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28
Incumbent Kristin Phillips-Hill advanced from the Republican primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kristin Phillips-Hill | 99.2 | 35,047 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.8 | 283 | ||
| Total votes: 35,330 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
To view McCormick Higgins' endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
2018
General election
General election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28
Kristin Phillips-Hill defeated Judith McCormick Higgins in the general election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kristin Phillips-Hill (R) | 62.7 | 62,380 |
| Judith McCormick Higgins (D) | 37.3 | 37,105 | |
| Total votes: 99,485 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28
Judith McCormick Higgins defeated Shawn Mauck in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Judith McCormick Higgins | 57.7 | 5,641 |
| Shawn Mauck | 42.3 | 4,135 | ||
| Total votes: 9,776 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28
Kristin Phillips-Hill defeated Julie Wheeler in the Republican primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Kristin Phillips-Hill | 65.4 | 14,294 |
 | Julie Wheeler | 34.6 | 7,556 | |
| Total votes: 21,850 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Judith McCormick Higgins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McCormick Higgins' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a military veteran of 13 years, and very proud of my service.. I have been involved with my community in volunteer positions, including 17 years as a School Board director for 17 years for Eastern York School district. I have been involved with other community groups including Craley Days Bake Sale (fundraisers for Fire Co and playground), Affordable Housing Assoc 9Board member), Salem Square Community Assoc (trying to develop workforce development opportunities. We have lived in York over 30 years.
- I will defend the rights that we have in Pennsylvania. Women are competent to make their life decisions without interference. Choice is autonomy and equality.
- Funding public education in an equitable and fair manner is critical,, not only for our children's future, but for the economic well being of our communities. Without equal access to technology and the ability to work with the tools that are current, our students will not be able to compete. Additionally, business and industries are more likely to relocate to the areas that have prepared and educated employees available to hire
- We must address the environment, as well as ensuring that communities are supported during transitions to "greener industries". We are being sued by Maryland and Virginia for polluting the Chesapeake, and we have until 2025 to accomplish the clean up. Additionally, the Lancaster and York area has the worst air days, which drains medical and insurance resources, and must be addressed. Clean air and water are critical for all of us, regardless of political orientation.
Broadband: Bringing Broadband to our communities. It is a huge drawback for the Commonwealth and affects business and industry, education, small business development and access to remote health care for communities.
Educational Funding: Education is critical, as I noted in my second key message, but funding education is the piece we must address, as well. Too many senior citizens and low income families are being taxed right out of their homes, and it is wrong. There are funding options that must be explored, and it needs to be done now.
Technical training, Internships and 2 year programs: Funding for these programs will not create debt that is a life long burden for the families. There are many opportunities and we need to be sure we are preparing all students. By providing these programs, we can address issues for employment, as businesses and industry in need of prepared employees,
There are so many women that have absolutely impressed and influenced me. I think Elizabeth Warren is amazing, she is standing tall for women, for Democrats, for doing the "right thing", and refusing to stop talking. I also want to feel I can speak up for my constituents, to do what is right for them, regardless of the fallout, and to stand for the rights we have fought for, 50 years ago. It is often hard to do what is right, but it is always the correct thing to do.
Interesting question, I don't know that I have ever thought about it.
Integrity, truthfulness, commitment to public service, and understanding it is NOT about the official, but about service to others.
I am diplomatic, a great listener, and believe that everyone has a right to be heard.
Working for the people of the Commonwealth, to the best of their ability, to ensure that the state moves forward. Status quo is not acceptable.
That I displayed integrity, was honest, and that people felt respected. I am not sure what all I can achieve, but I will work to make sure that the effort was there for the people.
My mother and my aunt were sitting at the table, debating whether or not they could vote for a Roman Catholic. I was probably six years old, and was struck by how passionate they were about voting, being informed and ensuring that the American people would be served by John Kennedy. This conversation stuck with me, even today, about how important it is to look at each candidate, and to vote in your best interrest.
I was employed by Sonic Drive In, Wichita, KS, while i was in high school. My mother drove me to work, and I was there for a year. I learned how to listen, to pay attention to customers and to work with others.
Gone with the Wind. The struggles of being a woman, of having to survive the Civil War. My father had an early edition, and my mother made sure to pass it along to me.
I am happy being who I am, honestly.
Born to be Wild
Overcoming early dismissal of my ability to "be" anything because of my family has been a challenge. My father died in front of me, when I was 15, of a heart attack. My sister, Kristina, was born prematurely and, as a result, had mental and visual disabilities. I learned patience, compassion, engaging with many different people in my life, and have been a cheerleader for others, seeking to uplift others as part of my life's goals.
There are going to be times that there will conflict, but the greater good of the Commonwealth, hopefully, will be paramount and NOT party ego.
Environmental clean up of the air and water, to lower the incidence of cancer, asthma, and other diseases. We ALL need clean water and air, regardless of politics!
We need to create a plan to upgrade and improve the infrastructure of the Commonwealth. It is an old state, and there are things that need attention - like roads, , the grid, sewer systems and bridges.
The benefit of a unicameral state legislature is that there is a greater efficiency for getting things done, according to my research. Only one legislature, Nebraska, has the format in place, so there may be more that is not evident. The drawback, in my opinion, is that diverse or minority ideas may never be explored because of the diversity that exists in the Commonwealth.. Small towns have different issues to address than cities or rural locations, and each deserve to be considered.
It is probably a bit easier as there is some familiarity with the language. I was on the School Board for 17 years, so state educational budgeting is familiar to me. We need to ensure that there is fresh ideas, and not just return the same legislators, due to '"convenience".
Yes, relationships always make working together easier. As a School Board director, I was often the only Democrat on the Board, but I made sure that the focus was on the students and their education, then to ensure that the community was aware of the plans, and the costs. Relationships, listening and communications that are respectful, are critical to making progress.
Fair Districts PA has presented ideas that make a great deal of sense, trying hard to eliminate the effects of gerrymandering from both parties. I believe redistricting, and the subsequent elections, should be reflective of the population, not the ability to ensure one party had more advantage than another.
Broadband, education and possibly environmental are the three biggest ones that I would like to be considered.
Not really.
I was at the Snacktown Street Fair, chatting with people at the Democratic tent. As a former military person, I am probably more aware of people around me, just as habit. I noticed a blond guy watching me very intently, but did not feel he was a threat. After the couple left, he rushed over and said" I am a 50 year old white male, registered Republican, and I could vote for YOU! YOU SOUND SANE!" He then continued that he could ask his friends to vote for me, as well, because they are all tired of the craziness. I thanked him and told him I appreciated his sharing the information of my candidacy. It was a moment that really made an impression!
No, absolutely not.
Absolutely! Creating a middle ground, to benefit the Commonwealth and the people, is the goal of good legislation. It cannot continue to be "all or nothing" while people are suffering, disadvantaged or being confused by what is going on in their lives.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Judith McCormick Higgins participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on June 1, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Judith McCormick Higgins's responses follow below.[2]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | 1. Health care for all 2. Equitable educational opportunities in all aspects, including funding, for all students 3. Revising funding sources for pensions to provide property tax relief[3][4] | ” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | 1. Education is key to all success for a community. When a healthy, educated, technologically connected population is in place, business and industry are more likely to seek out those locations. 2. Review of treatment of prisoners, guidelines and why we have populations that end up incarcerated.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]
|
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Judith McCormick Higgins answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?
| “ | I look up to servant leaders, such as Mother Teresa, Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. Servant leaders are those individuals who truly strive to put the community that they serve, first. To know that I have been able to serve in the military, to have served on a school board to help shape the future of our communities families, to have helped students realize their own life path is such a rewarding life that I have had the honor. To serve in the legislature, perhaps will be a chance to support and serve my community again.[4] | ” |
| “ | I have found that "Success Intelligence" by Holden is a grounding for me to understand what happiness is, what success is and how to live a life that "has it all". I strive to understand the systems that are surrounding me, affecting my decisions, so that I can insure that my decisions do not have an unintended consequence either upstream or downstream. We have too many people who simple "fix a problem", without ever understanding the environment, causes and potential repercussions.[4] | ” |
| “ | An elected person must listen, compassionately and thoroughly. There has to be the willingness to learn because there is so much that we do not know, simply because there is so much to learn. There should be the willingness to compromise, to set aside the concept of "winning at all costs". I believe the actions of the legislator should ensure that the greatest good is accomplished for the people.[4] | ” |
| “ | The qualities that I possess that will make me a good legislator include genuine interest in serving people, excellent listening skills and a genuine understanding of many of the challenges that my constituents face. My early life included a mentally handicapped sister, my father passing when I was 15, and dealing with cancer taking my mother when I was 26. I, too, have battled cancer twice and known what it is like to have no insurance, no one taking me seriously about the illness, and the total fear of whether I would ever be able to get a job, get health insurance or to survive. Through the grace of God, the willingness of people to believe that I was worth saving, I am still here, now working to help those that I can. I have accomplished my educational goals, regardless of how long it took, because I am a survivor, on so many levels. I want to bring hope back to other's lives, to give them a role model for positive actions that will benefit their lives, and to be a leader that has integrity, honesty, and an authentic leader who is in this race to be "for the people". I believe these are qualities that sets me apart from other candidates.[4] | ” |
| “ | The core responsibilities of a senator are to represent the constituents of their district, to enact legislation that will improve their lives and their communities. They are to be elected servants to the people, to create and pass legislation that will support the fundamental role of improving the lives of the people. One of the tools needed to accomplish the core responsibilities is the skill of communications, particularly as this relates to negotiations. The ability to communicate is so critical, particularly when partnered with the intent to create the best possible outcome for all citizens, not just those who are powerful.[4] | ” |
| “ | The legacy that I would like to leave would be one of honor, dignity, of being intent on service to others in order to leave the world better than it might have been. I have a very strong moral code, and I believe that it is why I stepped up now to run for this office. The democracy I believe in is neither bought nor sold, but earned in the trust of the people, the sweat of hard, honest work; and the willingness to move towards a common goal because we are all more alike than we are different.[4] | ” |
| “ | I remember my mother and my aunt sitting at the table, debating whether they could vote for a Roman Catholic - John Kennedy. I was 5 years old. This was my first real inkling that some people were seen as "different" from us, and that difference could determine what would happen to them! I remember being confused because he looked like us, even if he had a funny accent, and it did not make sense to me.[4] | ” |
| “ | My very first real job was babysitting for a little boy whose parents were divorced. He would come over to our house after school and I took care of him for an entire school year. On alternating Friday's, his father was supposed to pick him up for visitation. There were many nights I sat with him on the front porch, waiting for the man who never came. I learned how to listen with my heart, because there was nothing I could give him but affirmation that he was a wonderful little boy and that I was not going to leave him. I now today that, sometimes, pouring out one's heart is what is needed because it hurts less, that maybe someone can come up with some idea of how to make it "better". I don't know what happened to him after that year, but I will never forget that little boy or the lessons he taught me.[4] | ” |
| “ | I never had an awkward date! There is something to be salvaged from every encounter and I do not recall any major occurrence while dating. Working....now THAT is a different story!! Still, you learn, you laugh, you move on because dwelling on it just makes everyone else wonder if the event was a bigger deal than THEY realized. That is not a good thing!![4] | ” |
| “ | Fourth of July is my favorite holiday! I LOVE fireworks!! Then, there is the meaning of the holiday - our freedoms are celebrated and we realize, for a bit anyway, how lucky we are to live in this land. Finally, there are few "issues"! There are no family dramas, no high expectations to decorate, shop and spend nor does anyone shame you into showing up for an event![4] | ” |
| “ | Tipping Point by Gladwell which demonstrates how all the little things turn into major influences. I found myself nodding a great deal, agreeing with many of the observations within the book. It really resonated!![4] | ” |
| “ | My favorite thing is my house! I never had much growing up, we were pretty poor but I knew I was loved. I have a house that sits at the top of the hill and the view is spectacular. I can look down the road and see my loved ones coming home, watch the sunset from my front porch or experience the sunrise in the woods behind my house. It is mine, built for my husband and I and the site where we raised our three sons, entertained the three grandchildren and had many parties. It is a happy house, it makes my heart and spirit calm.[4] | ” |
| “ | Shaun Mendez was on the Today Show and I really like his upbeat music. Today it was "There's nothing holding me back"!! Absolutely appropriate for this run for the Senate!![4] | ” |
| “ | I sometimes suffer from "Imposter Syndrome", wondering if I can really do something or if I will be "found out". I think women doubt themselves more than men do, and when women show confidence, they are immediately looked upon poorly. Somehow, we have to change the value that we place upon women's observations, knowledge and contributions to society. I want it to start now, with more women going into the legislature and into leadership roles. Women need to be claiming a place at the table, leaning into the conversations and shaping the agenda for our communities and nation.[4] | ” |
| “ | The House of Representatives must spend a great deal of time trying to insure they hold their seats, since they run every two years. That is a distraction to getting anything done, I believe, so the House ends up less able to actually accomplish the duties and responsibilities of the office.[4] | ” |
| “ | It is beneficial to understand the process but to have actual experience may or may not matter. I have a degree in Public Administration, have served 17.5 years on a school board and feel I have a better understanding of the process and that particular area of government (public education), but there is a great deal for anyone to learn.[4] | ” |
| “ | Reversing the economic downturn. This has been ongoing as companies off shored, relocated and newer technologies did not find a home in PA. There has been little organized and systemic interest in addressing retraining, retooling, updating and improving the opportunities to attract new industries, in my opinion. This must be done and it cannot be done when the incessant drum beat of "Cut Taxes" ignores that public resources must used to accomplish these positive goals. Private money may be then encouraged to join in, to create possibilities for joint ventures but the Commonwealth must demonstrate the leadership![4] | ” |
| “ | The ideal relationship is respectful, for starters! I am so tired of the bad mouthing/bullying that has occurred at the federal level and am happy that Governor Wolf is a professional, with an understanding of the appropriateness of words and actions. Disagreement is understandable, but one does not have to be disagreeable! Relationships are built upon a desire to satisfy mutual needs, but they must be based on mutual respect.[4] | ” |
| “ | Absolutely! We are the legislature, which is a collective body that seeks to govern the people in a fair and legal manner. Working together, compromising and seeking to do the "right thing" versus the "easy thing" for the people should be a stated goal.[4] | ” |
| “ | I favor appointing a commission that is independent from the legislature, such as that suggested by Fair Districts PA. Gerrymandering is a huge issue for PA and both parties have done it. The arguments to maintain it in the legislature are no longer sustainable, for either party, and I am in favor of SB 22.[4] | ” |
| “ | I would like to be part of the Budget Committee, as well as Education.Those are key components to our future success.[4] | ” |
| “ | I very much admire Eugene DePasquale. He remains a respected, valued and admired leader. As the Auditor General, he has proved to be a valued and honest broker for the people of Pennsylvania. I admire his integrity and feel that it is critical today for any legislator.[4] | ” |
| “ | I am running for the PA Senate and that is the seat I am seeking. I am not a political climber, I do not have aspirations for the "next seat" like many seem to be today, because I want to be successful for this community in this role.[4] | ” |
| “ | I was at Shiloh Church, introducing myself after speaking at the NAACP Candidate meeting. At the end of the service, I was able to address the congregation. A woman came to me at the end, with her daughter who is a college student. With tears in her eyes, she told me she almost did not come to church that day but was so glad that she had. She works in the York prison and is so distraught over the way women are denigrated and frightened in prison, but that she had no reason to hope that anything would change. Then, she heard me and she felt that I was someone she could trust, to hear her words, to at least shine a light on the conditions women, including illegal immigrants who are only trying to escape horrid conditions, were forced to endure. We are, supposedly, a civilized society and her stories broke my heart!! I want to be a voice for those who are poor or marginalized, who are caught in a system that restricts their options to ever be self sufficient, to have the pride in their lives that comes with success and being participatory in the community.[4] | ” |
See also
2022 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Pennsylvania State Senate District 28 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2022
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Judith McCormick Higgins's responses," June 1, 2018
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
Current members of the Pennsylvania State Senate
Leadership
Majority Leader:Joe Pittman
Minority Leader:Jay Costa
Senators
District 1
Nikil Saval (D)
District 2
District 3
Sharif Street (D)
District 4
Art Haywood (D)
District 5
Joe Picozzi (R)
District 6
Frank Farry (R)
District 7
Vincent Hughes (D)
District 8
Anthony Williams (D)
District 9
John Kane (D)
District 10
District 11
Judy Schwank (D)
District 12
Maria Collett (D)
District 13
Scott Martin (R)
District 14
Nick Miller (D)
District 15
Patty Kim (D)
District 16
Jarrett Coleman (R)
District 17
District 18
Lisa Boscola (D)
District 19
Carolyn Comitta (D)
District 20
Lisa Baker (R)
District 21
Scott Hutchinson (R)
District 22
Martin Flynn (D)
District 23
Gene Yaw (R)
District 24
Tracy Pennycuick (R)
District 25
Cris Dush (R)
District 26
Timothy Kearney (D)
District 27
Lynda Culver (R)
District 28
District 29
David Argall (R)
District 30
Judith Ward (R)
District 31
Dawn Keefer (R)
District 32
Patrick Stefano (R)
District 33
Doug Mastriano (R)
District 34
Greg Rothman (R)
District 35
Wayne Langerholc (R)
District 36
James Malone (D)
District 37
Devlin Robinson (R)
District 38
Lindsey Williams (D)
District 39
Kim Ward (R)
District 40
Rosemary Brown (R)
District 41
Joe Pittman (R)
District 42
Wayne Fontana (D)
District 43
Jay Costa (D)
District 44
Katie Muth (D)
District 45
Nick Pisciottano (D)
District 46
District 47
Elder Vogel (R)
District 48
Chris Gebhard (R)
District 49
Daniel Laughlin (R)
District 50
Michele Brooks (R)
Republican Party (27)
Democratic Party (23)
