Ohio Supreme Court Race: Who Are the Judges on the Ballot?
Voters casting their ballots in the general election on November 5 will determine which three out of six candidates will serve on Ohio’s Supreme Court. This critical election could potentially shift the court’s current 4-3 Republican majority, affecting a range of important issues such as abortion access, redistricting, parental rights for same-sex couples, and environmental projects like solar farms.
Three of the court’s seven seats are contested this November, with an equal number of candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties. If the Democrats win all three seats, they will take a 4-3 majority on the court. Conversely, if the Republicans secure all three seats, their control will deepen, resulting in a 6-1 majority.
Deters vs. Stewart
Incumbent Republican Justice Joseph Deters is challenging Democratic Justice Melody Stewart. Deters, who was appointed to the court in January 2023, opted to run against Stewart instead of seeking re-election to his previous seat. Notably, he is the first Ohio Supreme Court Justice in three decades without prior judicial experience, having served as Hamilton County’s prosecutor from 1992 to 1999 and again from 2005 to 2023. Deters is known for his tough-on-crime stance and has made headlines for advocating controversial measures, including the reinstatement of the death penalty by firing squad.
Stewart, who made history as the first Black woman elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2018, has a diverse background that includes serving on the Eighth District Court of Appeals for 12 years and working as a civil defense litigator and law school administrator. She has received endorsements from various organizations and played a pivotal role in ruling against gerrymandered congressional districts.
Forbes vs. Hawkins
Democratic Judge Lisa Forbes of the Eighth District Court of Appeals is running against Republican Judge Dan Hawkins of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for Deters’ open seat. Forbes, elected to the appellate court in 2020, has a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable residents in Cuyahoga County and emphasizes her experience as a fair and independent jurist. Her campaign promotes the court’s role as a protector of individual rights and freedoms.
Hawkins, who was elected to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in 2018, presents himself as a conservative candidate focused on public safety and upholding the law. He has a history of working on the Environmental Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court, where he implemented strategies to address crime associated with vacant and abandoned properties.
Donnelly vs. Shanahan
Incumbent Democratic Justice Michael P. Donnelly faces Republican Judge Megan Shanahan from the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. Donnelly, elected to the Supreme Court in 2018, has a record of advocating for union rights and consumer protections, having helped reverse over $200 million in surcharges imposed on Ohioans by FirstEnergy. He was also involved in key rulings against gerrymandering and efforts to restrict abortion rights.
Shanahan, a veteran of the Hamilton Court Common Pleas since 2015, emphasizes her experience as a prosecutor and her commitment to public safety. Known for her straightforward approach, she has garnered respect for her work in prosecuting serious crimes, particularly against children.
The outcomes of these races will significantly impact the direction of Ohio’s judiciary and the lives of its residents.
