Filipina wins primary as civil court judge in New York

NEW YORK — Judge Eve Cho Guillergan has won the Democratic primary for Civil Court Judge in Queens, New York—marking a significant step toward broader representation in the judiciary and a first-ever achievement for Filipinos.

Guillergan emphasized the importance of the civil court in the daily lives of citizens. "The civil court is often where regular people turn to. That's why it's crucial to treat everyone with kindness, professionalism, and respect," she said. "People come to court seeking fair treatment and justice, and it is my duty to ensure they receive their day in court."

Guillergan is of Korean and Filipino descent—her mother is Korean, and her father hails from Iloilo City. "My parents met while my father was working in Korea. I am proud of my heritage, and it is an honor to represent both the Korean and Filipino communities in my role."

As a strong advocate for due process and fair hearings, she said, "The cases heard in court may seem routine, but to those involved, they carry deep personal meaning. Everyone deserves to be heard and to feel that their case matters."

Her historic victory is not only a personal achievement but also a win for representation in public service. "Representation matters. I am proud to be part of the growing diversity in our courts. I hope to inspire others in our community to pursue careers in law and public service," Judge Guillergan told GMA Integrated News.

She also praised the support of community leaders like Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first Filipino-American elected to the New York State Legislature. "Leaders like Steven Raga have opened many doors for us. Their offices are always welcoming, and they continue to empower our community."

Judge Guillergan hopes her victory will pave the way for more Filipino-Americans to enter the legal profession. "I hope I'm not the last. I want to see others follow in my footsteps so that together we can build a more inclusive and representative justice system."

Her win in the Democratic primary reflects the broader goal of diversity and inclusion in New York's judiciary, and her story serves as an inspiration to future generations of Filipinos and Asian Americans who aspire to serve the public.

Civil court judges are elected through a partisan process that plays a critical role in shaping the local justice system. These judges handle everyday legal matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and civil cases involving up to $50,000—making their role especially important to ordinary New Yorkers.

The election process begins with candidates seeking the endorsement of political parties, most commonly the Democratic Party due to its strong voter base in Queens. To qualify for the ballot, candidates must collect thousands of valid petition signatures from registered voters. If multiple candidates file under the same party line, a primary election is held—as it was on June 24, 2025, when several Democratic candidates competed for countywide and district civil court seats.

This year, the Democratic primary featured closely watched races in key municipal court districts, with Eve Cho Guillergan, Juliette-Noor Haji, and Sheridan Chu emerging victorious. In heavily Democratic Queens, winning the primary is often considered the key to winning the general election, which is scheduled for November 4, 2025. — VDV, GMA Integrated News