State of Justice: September Ethics Updates

Complaint filed against conservative activist for political activity in 2025 Pennsylvania Supreme Court election

Public Citizen filed a complaint against conservative activist Scott Pressler and his organization, Early Vote Action (EVA), for failing to report to the Pennsylvania Department of State his political activity to influence the supreme court retention elections in 2025. Pressler and EVA publicly engaged in electioneering to influence votes to cast “No” votes against the incumbent Democratic justices on television and digital media, as well as through field programs and direct voter contact. Read Public Citizen’s letter here. 

Utah Supreme Court justice recuses from case challenging abortion ban 

In late July 2026, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah called on Utah Supreme Court Justice John Nielson to recuse himself from their case challenging the state’s abortion ban. Nielson had previously filed amicus briefs on behalf of anti-abortion organizations. In early September, Nielson officially recused himself from the case. Nielson had recused himself for similar reasons in a separate case involving a gerrymander challenge to the state’s congressional maps.