Meet the Candidates: Judges Running for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024
Voters casting ballots in the Nov. 5 general election will determine which three of six judges will occupy seats on Ohio’s Supreme Court. Currently, the state’s highest court has a Republican majority of 4-3 and is responsible for making critical decisions on issues affecting Ohioans, including access to abortion, redistricting, parental rights for same-sex couples, and environmental initiatives like solar farms.
Three of the court’s seven seats are up for election this November, with three Democrats and three Republicans vying for the positions. If the Democrats win all three, they will shift the court to a Democratic 4-3 majority. Conversely, if the Republicans secure all three seats, they will solidify their control with a 6-1 majority.
Deters v. Stewart
Incumbent Republican Justice Joseph Deters is challenging incumbent Democratic Justice Melody Stewart. Instead of seeking re-election to his current seat, Deters opted to run against Stewart. He was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court in January 2023 and is now seeking a full term. Notably, Deters is the first Ohio Supreme Court Justice in three decades without prior judicial experience; he previously served as Hamilton County’s longest-tenured prosecutor from 1992 to 1999 and again from 2005 to 2023.
During his tenure as prosecutor, Deters gained a reputation for being “tough on crime” and was a strong advocate for the death penalty. He made headlines in July 2018 when he called for the reinstatement of the death penalty by firing squad. Deters also drew attention for his prosecutions of former University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing, who fatally shot Black driver Sam DuBose during a traffic stop in 2015.
In 2023, Deters recused himself from presiding over a racketeering lawsuit involving parties tied to a $60 million bribery scandal related to a $1.3 billion bailout of FirstEnergy’s nuclear power plants. His campaign site emphasizes his commitment to respecting the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government.
Justice Melody Stewart was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2018 and became the first Black woman to hold this position. Prior to her election, she served for 12 years on the Eighth District Court of Appeals. Stewart’s diverse background includes roles as a healthcare management administrator, music teacher, civil defense litigator, law school administrator, and professor.
Stewart, 61, has received high ratings from bar associations and endorsements from various organizations, including labor and civic groups. She was part of the majority that ruled against gerrymandered congressional districts in Ohio. Her campaign site highlights her dedication to serving the public rather than pursuing partisan political agendas.
Forbes v. Hawkins
Democratic Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Lisa Forbes is running against Republican Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Dan Hawkins for the seat being vacated by Deters. Forbes was elected to the court of appeals in 2020 and has extensive experience in law, having worked at two law firms since 1993. She is involved in organizations aimed at assisting vulnerable residents in Cuyahoga County.
Forbes, 60, advocates for being “an independent and fair jurist,” referencing her career as a litigator and appellate judge. Her campaign site emphasizes the importance of the state’s highest court as a protector of individual rights and freedoms, portraying it as Ohioans’ last line of defense for justice.
Dan Hawkins, 48, has served on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas since 2018, following his appointment and election to the Franklin County Municipal Court. He has a background as an assistant prosecuting attorney and as the director of the Special Victims Unit in the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. Hawkins positions himself as a “strong conservative” candidate and highlights his experience in addressing criminal activity in his community.
Donnelly v. Shanahan
Incumbent Democratic Justice Michael P. Donnelly faces a challenge from Republican Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Megan Shanahan. Elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2018, Donnelly previously served as a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 2005 to 2018. He also worked in civil litigation and as an assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor.
Donnelly, 58, emphasizes his judicial philosophy, which includes protecting the rights of union members and opposing surcharges imposed on Ohio consumers by FirstEnergy. He has also played a crucial role in decisions regarding gerrymandering and abortion rights amendments.
Megan Shanahan, 49, has been on the Hamilton Court of Common Pleas since 2015 and previously served on the Hamilton County Municipal Court. A former felony-level criminal prosecutor, she is known for her strong commitment to public safety, particularly in prosecuting child predators.
Shanahan’s campaign highlights her extensive trial experience and her straightforward approach in the courtroom, stating that she has earned the respect of her peers and constituents.
Conclusion
With significant implications for Ohio’s legal landscape, the upcoming election will be a critical moment for voters as they choose the judges who will shape the future of the state’s highest court.
