(McKean County, March 11, 2025):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer announced today that she will not be running in the upcoming election to fill a vacancy in the county’s 2^nd judge seat left after the retirement of Judge Hauser in 2024. 

McKean County has two County Judges – President Judge John Pavlock and the position formerly filled by Judge Hauser that is temporarily filled pending the upcoming election results. 

DA Vettenburg-Shaffer:  “Over the last several years, and, with more urgency in the last few months, I have received numerous inquiries on my intentions as to the judgeship that was expected to be vacated when one of our Judges retired.  In 2024, applicants submitted letters of interest seeking to be appointed to the position on a temporary basis.  I declined to submit my name for consideration for the temporary appointment and, now, I am announcing I will not run to fill the seat formerly.  Myself, and other senior members of our bar association, understand our obligations to ensure that the legal system in the County runs efficiently. To that end, I have decided to remain as the District Attorney and in the role that I believe I am currently able to serve most effectively.  I have been the District Attorney since 2016 and I am very proud of our accomplishments (the DA’s Office and McKean County Law Enforcement) and we continue to work to fulfill the criminal justice goals we have set.  In fact, we are not done with the work I envision for our local criminal justice system. 

I appreciate the important role of Judge and I hold it with the utmost respect.  And I hold the position of District Attorney with similar respect.  At the present time, my focus will remain on prosecution and community outreach for which I am very fortunate to have a voice.”