Magisterial District Judge Eric J. Taylor has announced his candidacy for the Berks County Court of Common Pleas in the upcoming 2025 election. Judge Taylor, who has served as the District Judge for West Reading and Wyomissing Boroughs since 2018, is seeking to bring his judicial experience to the county’s higher court.
During his seven years on the bench, Judge Taylor has presided over a range of criminal and civil cases, as well as petitions for emergency protection from abuse. According to his campaign, his decisions are guided by the U.S. Constitution and existing laws, and several of his legal opinions have been published in the Berks County Law Journal.
Judge Taylor emphasized his judicial background in the announcement, noting that neither of the other declared candidates for the position have prior judicial experience.
“Having presided over hundreds of cases, I understand the importance of fair and thoughtful legal decision-making,” Taylor stated in his campaign announcement.
Before his tenure as a magisterial district judge, Taylor served over 12 years as an Assistant Public Defender in the Berks County Public Defender’s Office, representing clients in criminal cases. His legal career also includes experience in the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas, handling cases related to protection from abuse orders, child support violations, and juvenile delinquency. Early in his career, Taylor worked as a judicial law clerk and interned with a federal magistrate judge.
Beyond his legal work, Taylor has a history of community service. He previously served as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer and assisted in disaster recovery efforts in Louisiana following the 2005 hurricanes as part of the Crisis Corps. Locally, he has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading. He also coaches his son’s sports teams.
Judge Taylor is also known for officiating wedding ceremonies, particularly on Valentine’s Day, an activity that has garnered local media attention for its personal touch.
Taylor plans to cross-file on both the Republican and Democratic tickets, stating that political affiliation should not play a role in the judiciary.
“With over seven years of judicial experience and a commitment to fairness, integrity, and service, I am ready to bring my expertise to the Berks County Court of Common Pleas,” Taylor said.
For more information about Judge Taylor’s campaign, visit taylormadeforjudge.com or follow his campaign on Facebook at facebook.com/taylormadeforjudge2025.