Robert Wyda, the magisterial district judge for Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park, is running for Pennsylvania Superior Court.

"I'm at a point in my life and career that this is a challenge and step I'm ready to make," Wyda said. "After all of my experience, I feel very comfortable and confident in my ability."

Wyda has been a lawyer for 28 years and he's been the magisterial district judge for 14 years. His district of Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park is one of the most populous magisterial districts in Pennsylvania with 53,000 residents.

Wyda, a Republican, said he has received a lot of positive encouragement about his candidacy.

One of the qualities that make Wyda stand out is his service to the country. 

"Voters have reacted very favorably to the service I've done overseas," Wyda said.

Wyda's a Navy veteran and he currently serves in the Naval Reserves. In 2003, 2006 and 2007-08, Wyda was recalled to active duty to serve in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay.

Wyda will face Republican Vic Stabile, who is an attorney and lives in Carlisle, Cumberland County.