Judge of the New York City Civil Court · Queens Civil Court District 2

City Law Department lawyer and private attorney, both working in Queens, vie for new seat

This is one of 10 Civil Court judgeships added in 2026, so no incumbent is running. Each party chose its nominee without a primary.

How this race works

How the vote works: One judge will be elected on Nov. 3, 2026. Janet Ellen Keller is on the Democratic line and Stephen C. Dachtera on the Republican line.
What the court does: The Civil Court hears lawsuits to recover money or personal property worth up to $50,000, and cases to recover possession of real property and remove tenants.
Term: Judges are elected to 10-year terms.
Why candidates take no positions: New York's judicial conduct rules bar judicial candidates from making pledges, promises or commitments on cases, controversies or issues likely to come before the court that are inconsistent with impartially performing the court's duties (22 NYCRR 100.5(A)(4)(d)).

Sources (5)

Lawyer in private practice, South Richmond Hill · Admitted to the New York bar in 2006

On the Republican line in this election.

No endorsements beyond the Republican line were found as of Sept. 29, 2026.

Senior counsel, New York City Law Department · Admitted to the New York bar in 1995

On the Democratic line in this election.

No endorsements beyond the Democratic line were found as of Sept. 29, 2026.

▸ Your ballot — Civil Court Judge - District 2

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Experience, selected cases, and qualification assessments. Case coverage is still developing.

2 candidates · 0 selected case examples · 1 candidate with evaluations

Cycle-to-date · NYS Board of Elections — figures change as new reports are filed.

SDDachtera

$4K

Researched & verified Sep 29, 2026. Compiled from verified public sources; claims that failed verification are excluded.

Sources (24)