Cortez Patton, Esq., a South Philadelphia native, has spent his entire adult life working to protect the rights of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens. A graduate of Bodine High School for International Affairs, Temple University and Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, he embraces equity and access as the foundation for sustainable communities.
Character
Cortez is the ideal candidate for the bench. Our nation has been gripped by social unrest resulting, in part, from historical failure to require diversity and inclusion throughout all levels and all branches of government. Cortez believes we have a moral obligation to address the problems that plague our communities. He knows that our judicial system is lacking in compassion and perspective, and it is not possible to have just results if we continue to elect judges who do not understand or acknowledge the humanity of the people who appear before them. Cortez appreciates how dynamic the human experience is, and how important it is to have systems of government that give deference to people’s lived experiences.
Community
Cortez understands the extraordinary value of our collective responsibility to care about each other. Because he was raised in a disadvantaged neighborhood surrounded by people in desperate situations, Cortez is committed to providing every resource available to help stabilize or change the trajectory of people’s lives. As an attorney, he has helped countless people expunge their records, find gainful employment, and access needed mental health treatment.
Commitment
Cortez will never stop fighting against disparities in our judicial system. As Chief Counsel to state Senator Anthony H. Williams, Cortez advanced legislation to seal non-violent criminal records, require review and termination of extended probation terms, prohibit hate-based intimidation, and establish a state commission to determine how government institutions can promote the involvement of both parents to strengthen families. Cortez has the roots, relationships, and knowledge we need to start rebuilding trust in the Philadelphia judicial system.
