Judge Butts Loses Retention Election

After serving as a Lycoming County Common Pleas Court judge for nearly 30 years, Judge Nancy Butts’ service will come to an end at the end of 2025. The voters of the county declined to retain the judge for another term in the November 4, election.

The last time that the voters of the county voted “No” for a sitting judge was in 1973 when then Judge Thomas Wood, Sr. was not retained. Similarly to the 1973 election, there was a local movement to remove Judge Butts from the bench due to some rulings that were apparently unpopular, as portrayed to the public.

As in 1973 for Judge Wood, the Lycoming Law Association endorsed the retention of Judge Butts. Nevertheless, the vote in the county was not close, with 28,795 voting: 9,680 voted "Yes," while 19,115 voted "No."

Following Tuesday’s vote, Judge Nancy Butts issued a statement thanking the county's residents.

After nearly 30 years on the bench, I will be concluding my service as a Judge of the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas at the end of this year. While the recent election outcome was not what I had hoped for, I accept it with gratitude–for the privilege I’ve had to serve this community for so long.

When I was first elected in 1995, I pledged to be “committed to public service, committed to serving you.” Every day since, I have strived to fulfill that promise: presiding over thousands of cases, founding our Treatment Courts, and leading collaborative justice initiatives that have saved lives, reunited families, and made our communities safer.

I have always focused on upholding the law with fairness, compassion, and integrity.

I have been honored to give back in many ways–as an emergency medical technician (EMT), CPR instructor, Relay for Life volunteer and active member of the Community Theatre League, where I’ve served in multiple leadership roles over the years.

I am especially proud of what we’ve built together through our Treatment Courts, which are recognized across Pennsylvania as among the most effective in helping individuals rebuild their lives and return to their homes and families. These courts reflect what’s possible when accountability, treatment and compassion work together to create safer communities.

I especially thank those who entrusted me with decisions that affected their lives and futures. It was never a responsibility I took lightly,

While my time as a judge is coming to a close, my commitment to justice and public service is not. I look forward to discovering new ways to serve the community that has meant so much to me.

Thank you, Lycoming County–for 30 unforgettable years.

Judge Butts will leave the bench on December 31, 2025.