Alyssa Cowan Announces Campaign for Seat on Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
Cowan returns as a candidate after an impressive run for judge during the 2021 election
Allison Park, Pa. (Jan 13, 2025) – Alyssa Cowan, current Assistant County Solicitor for the Family Division of the Allegheny County Law Department, announced today that she will once again seek a judge position on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
Cowan previously ran for judge in 2021, earning the votes of 37,532 Allegheny County residents – an impressive total for the then-first time candidate and the highest finish amongst the 39 candidates who ran not to receive a major endorsement (Allegheny County Democratic Committee and/or UNITE PAC).
Having spent the past 15 years appearing before judges in the Court of Common Pleas, Cowan decided to run for a judgeship again due to some continued gaps on the bench, namely the need for interdisciplinary training for professionals working within systems that involve families.
“Judges and attorneys typically lack training in child development, family systems, human psychology, and lack an understanding of the pressures families are facing in their lives and communities,” said Cowan. “This leads to families being treated without dignity and respect in the courtroom. I went to law school specifically to bridge that gap and improve problem solving for families who often come to court in crisis by applying an interdisciplinary approach.”
Cowan’s background, which is rooted in her experience as a practicing social worker and includes getting her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, makes her the best candidate in the upcoming election to bring this interdisciplinary approach mindset to the bench.
In addition to her social work and legal experience, Cowan has twice received the rating of “Highly Recommended” – in 2021 and 2024 – from the Allegheny County Bar Association. This nonpartisan group evaluates all candidates for local, appellate, and federal courts. Receiving a “Highly Recommended” distinction is the highest rating given by the bar association and means a candidate has shown “preeminence in the law by way of outstanding legal ability and a wide range of experience” and has “the utmost integrity and temperament to excel as a judge of the court for which he/she is a candidate”.
Cowan has dedicated her professional life to aiding abused and neglected children through the legal system. Her prior positions include stints at the PA Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), KidsVoice — a group that supports abused, neglected and at-risk children who otherwise cannot speak for themselves — and as the Assistant Attorney General in the Child Protection Section of Washington, DC’s Office of the Attorney General.
She will formally begin campaigning this week with small events throughout Allegheny County and will shortly prepare to seek the 500 signatures necessary to appear on May’s primary ballot. Implementing a grassroots strategy built on a volunteer network and small-dollar donations, Cowan looks forward to meeting with citizens of Western Pennsylvania over the coming months.
“I wouldn’t be running for office again if it wasn’t for my commitment to a community I’ve known my entire life,” said Cowan. “I look forward to going door-to-door in an effort to earn every vote possible ahead of the May 20th primary.”
Those interested in learning more about Alyssa are encouraged to visit her website at VoteCowan.com or visit her campaign Facebook page at Cowan4Judge.
What they’re saying:
The following are direct quotes from elected officials who have already pledged their support to Alyssa Cowan’s campaign.
Rep. Arvind Venkat, MD (PA-30): “I am proud to endorse Alyssa Cowan to be a Judge on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Her strength, wisdom, and experience are exactly what we all hope for in a jurist. She has my complete confidence and support.”
Sen. Lindsey Williams (PA-38): “I am proud to endorse Alyssa Burrell Cowan for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Alyssa has dedicated her career to advocating for victims of child abuse and neglect. Her deep experience in Family Law combined with her extensive history of leading educational trainings gives her the unparalleled ability to provide a trauma informed courtroom that will respect and honor the needs of all parties. The families of Allegheny County will be well served by having Alyssa on the bench.”
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About Alyssa Cowan:
Alyssa Cowan is seeking both the Democratic and Republican Party nominations for a judge seat on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in the May 20th primary. She has nearly 25 years of legal experience fighting for Allegheny County families, currently serving as the Assistant County Solicitor for the Family Division of the Allegheny County Law Department. In her role as judge, Cowan will look to build a more equitable community and pledges to put the people of Allegheny County ahead of political interests. Alyssa currently resides with her husband and two children in Allison Park, Pa. For more information on Alyssa Cowan, visit her website at VoteCowan.com or visit her campaign Facebook page at Cowan4Judge.
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Alyssa Cowan 