The election to replace Magisterial District Judge Joseph Carmody in the Wyoming area features two local attorneys, the judge’s son Matthew Carmody and Laura Dennis-Bovani.

Carmody captured the Democratic nomination in his bid to replace his father, while Dennis-Bovani won the Republican nomination

On the Democratic side, Carmody received 1,031 votes in the primary election, compared to 847 for Dennis-Bovani. On the Republican side, Dennis-Bovani received 854 votes, compared to 764 for Carmody.

The magisterial district comprises Exeter, Exeter Twp., West Pittston, West Wyoming, and Wyoming with the current office located in the West Pittston Municipal Building. The position, which is a six-year term, pays $113,713 in 2025.

The winner of the race will be one of the few district judges in Luzerne County to be attorneys.

Joseph Carmody is one of only three attorneys currently serving as magisterial district judge in Luzerne County out of 16 seats. The others are Alexandra Kokura Kravitz in Pittston and Ferris Webby in Mountain Top.

The winner of the race on Nov. 4 will be elected to serve the remaining two years of Joseph Carmody’s term, county officials have said. He was reelected in 2021, but reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 for judges and is forced to retire at the end of this year.

A race for a full six-year term will be held in 2027.

MEET CANDIDATES

Matthew J. Carmody

Age: 43

Resident: West Pittston

Education: Wyoming Area Secondary Center; University of Pittsburgh; and the Roger Williams University School of Law

Occupation/work experience: Attorney, founding partner of the law firm Joyce, Carmody & Moran, P.C. Currently serves as Lackawanna County’s chief labor counsel and as the assistant solicitor to the Luzerne County Transportation Authority. Served as court-appointed counsel in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania representing indigent federal clients.

Laura Dennis-Bovani

Age: 51

Residence: West Pittston

Education: Wyoming Area High School, Bachelors of Arts degree in sociology from University of Pittsburgh, and Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg.

Occupation/experience: Attorney with the Law Offices of Laura Dennis; solicitor for Wyoming Borough, assistant solicitor for Luzerne County Office of Law; volunteer solicitor for the Wyoming Free Library and the Wyoming Area Foundation Board; executive board member of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library.

QUESTIONS

We asked each candidate the same three questions. Here are their responses.

Why are you running for district judge and why do you think voters should vote for you?

Carmody: “I love this community, and I want to continue to keep it safe for all families who call our area “home.” I vow to be fair and impartial and to treat everyone who comes into the courtroom with dignity and respect. I will uphold the law and will protect those who have been wronged while also applying common sense.”

Dennis-Bovani: “I’m running for magistrate because I care about our district and the people in it. I have spent my career in the law and know the importance of a fair and impartial court where everyone has the chance to be heard. I want to ensure the integrity of our local court for years to come.”

Why do you think you are the most qualified?

Carmody: “I believe I am the most qualified based upon my diverse legal and personal background. Professionally, I served as a law clerk in the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, which provided invaluable insights into the judicial process. As a practicing attorney in civil, commercial, employment and labor matters, I have litigated before Federal and State Courts; in Arbitrations and Mediations; and in Workers’ and Unemployment Compensation administrative courts. I also have extensive professional experience in criminal law before Federal and State Courts. Personally, I spent my life within our local community and am raising my family here. Having experienced decades of relationships with constituents of our community, and knowing their concerns and desires, is another reason why I am running.”

Dennis-Bovani: “I think I am the most qualified because I am the most experienced candidate with the most legal experience and the most courtroom experience. My law office is in our district, I know the needs and concerns of our neighbors. More than legal experience, in my opinion you need practical, real-life experience dealing with situations and people in order to be an effective judge. As a lawyer, parent, property and small business owner, I have dealt with almost every issue a magistrate hears. We need someone who is experienced in the advanced criminal rules of evidence, yet knows how to handle a child who is struggling with truancy. I am that person.”

How are you trying to differentiate yourself from your opponent?

Carmody: “As a parent to two young children, public safety will guide my decisions as a District Judge. As an attorney for 18 years, I have spent my legal career representing various municipal and law enforcement agencies in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the County prisons in both Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties, as well as local police departments. As a District Judge, I am prepared to work with law enforcement agencies such as our Wyoming Area Regional Police and the Pennsylvania State Police because I have been doing such legal work for nearly two decades. And I am proud to have the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36.”

Dennis-Bovani: “My opponent’s father has been the Magistrate for over two decades. When you see a political sign for my opponent it isn’t exactly clear who is running, because it only says the last name. I want voters to know who I am and what I stand for. I am proud of my legal career, my work in the community and in our church. As a parent, I know the challenges we face with our kids and their safety. As a child of senior citizens, I believe we need to support and protect our seniors.  Safety in our community is my number one priority. I hope to reach as many voters as possible, through the mail, online, and in-person. I believe every vote and every voter counts. Winning will take the support and votes from people who believe that I can be the new face, and the new name, as our new magistrate.”