Ohio judicial elections, 2014

Overview
Total candidates:  | 338
Primary candidates:  | 84
General election candidates:  | 297
Incumbency
Incumbents:  | 182
Incumbent success rate:  | 96%
Competition - general election
Percent of candidates in contested races:  | 48%
Percent uncontested:  | 52%
Partisan victories
Republican  | 138
Democratic  | 80

2015 →

<- 2013

Judicial Elections
Judicial elections, 2014
Judicial election dates
Candidates by state
Supreme court elections

## Contents

* 1 Election dates
* 2 General election: Contested races
* 3 General election: Uncontested
* 3.1 Appellate courts
* 3.2 Trial courts
* 4 Primary
* 5 Process
* 6 Noteworthy events
* 6.1 It's all about Ohio
* 6.2 Two influential names run in Cuyahoga County election
* 6.3 Governor supports female judicial appointees
* 6.4 No Democratic candidate for face off in Mahoning County
* 6.5 Probate court election features well-known candidates
* 6.6 Challenge to Ohio's current judicial elections system fails
* 6.7 Feedback on party labels in Ohio judicial elections
* 6.8 One vote win in Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Court judicial contest
* 6.9 Fundraising among Ohio Supreme Court incumbents
* 6.10 Lucas County races see party endorsements
* 6.11 Lake County attorney removed from primary ballot
* 6.12 County board of elections moves offices from city to suburbs
* 6.13 Ohio probate court judge investigated
* 7 See also
* 8 External links
* 9 Footnotes

Last updated: November 2014

The 2014 Ohio judicial elections included partisan primaries, but nonpartisan general elections. A total of 338 candidates ran in Ohio's judicial elections in 2014. Of these candidates, 182 were incumbents running for re-election. In the general election on November 4, 2014, 140 judgeships were contested. Of the 44 incumbent judges facing opponents in the general election, seven of them were defeated in their bids for re-election. Two Ohio Supreme Court justices were re-elected.

See Ohio elections summary, 2014 for an overview of the state's results.

### Election dates[edit]

* February 5: Filing deadline for the primary
* May 6: Primary
* August 6: Filing deadline for the general election
* November 4: General election[1][2]

In addition to candidate lists, this page includes information about how the state's judicial elections work, as well as articles about noteworthy news in races across the state.

Want to learn more about the biggest judicial elections in Ohio in 2014? Check out the Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2014 page for an in-depth exploration of the candidates, issues, politics and news surrounding the state's high court races.

## General election: Contested races[edit]

(I) denotes incumbent

Supreme Court, Term commencing 1/1/15

* Sharon L. Kennedy (I), 72.6%A
* Tom Letson, 27.4%A

Supreme Court, Term commencing 1/2/15

* John P. O'Donnell, 44%A
* Judith French (I), 56%A

First District Court of Appeals, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Fanon Rucker, 41.2%A
* Russell Mock, 58.8%A

Second District Court of Appeals, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Jeffrey Froelich (I), 52.2%A
* Robert Vaughn, 47.8%A

Fifth District Court of Appeals, Unexpired term ending 2/9/2017

* Craig Baldwin (I), 56.1%A
* Natalie R. Haupt, 43.9%A

Seventh District Court of Appeals, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Anthony Donofrio, 46.9%A
* Carol Ann Robb, 53.1%A

Ninth District Court of Appeals, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Eve Belfance (I), 46.3%A
* Julie A. Schafer, 53.7%A

Tenth District Court of Appeals, Unexpired term ending 12/31/2016

* Amy O'Grady (I), 46.9%A
* Jennifer L. Brunner, 53.1%A

Tenth District Court of Appeals, Unexpired term ending 2/9/2019

* Betsy Luper Schuster (I), 54.3%A
* Mary Jo Kilroy, 45.7%A

Eleventh District Court of Appeals, Term commencing 2/10/2015

* Cynthia Rice (I), 56.8%A
* Geoffrey W. Weaver, 43.2%A

Eleventh District Court of Appeals, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Ron Tamburrino, 44.1%A
* Timothy Cannon (I), 55.9%A

Allen County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Carlene S. Huston-Kinworthy, 29.5%A
* Glenn H. Derryberry (I), 70.5%A

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Albert Camplese, 54.7%A
* Christopher Altier, 45.4%A

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Harold E. Specht, Jr., 39.7%A
* Marianne Sezon, 60.3%A

Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Ariana E. Tarighati, 41.7%A
* Thomas E. Harris, 58.3%A

Athens County Court of Common Pleas, Term ending 12/31/2016

* George P. McCarthy (I), 56.5%A
* Herman A. Carson, 43.5%A

Brown County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division

* Danny R. Bubp, 56.6%A
* Julie D. Steddom, 43.4%A

Crawford County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Robert Clark Neff, Jr., 27%A
* Sean Leuthold, 73%A

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Anthony J. Russo (I), 63%A
* Michael R. Sliwinski, 37%A

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/10/2015

* Matthew A. McMonagle, 47.9%A
* Shannon M. Gallagher, 52.1%A

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/3/2015

* Pamela A. Barker (I), 52.9%A
* Sherrie Miday, 47.1%A

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Unexpired term ending 1/12/2017

* Francine Goldberg, 50.2%A
* Janet Rath Colaluca (I), 49.7%A

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

* David Gormley, 76.6%A
* Emmanuel Olawale, 23.4%A

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Valoria Hoover, 46.5%A
* William H. Woods, 53.5%A

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Jenifer A. French, 56.2%A
* Thomas F. Hayes, 43.8%A

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 7/1/2015

* David Young, 62.3%A
* Fred Nelson, 37.7%A

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 7/2/2015

* Chris Brown (Ohio), 53.5%A
* John M. Gonzales, 46.5%A

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Unexpired term ending 1/6/2017

* Colleen O'Donnell (I), 57.3%A
* Monica Hawkins, 42.7%A

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Unexpired term ending 1/1/2019

* Eddie Pfau, 5.4%A
* James W. Brown (Ohio), 50%A
* Rita McNeil Danish (I), 44.6%A

Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division

* Andy Warhola, 45.6%A
* David B. Bennett, 54.4%A

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Charlie Luken, 46.6%A
* Ralph E. Winkler, 53.4%A

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/2/2015

* John M. Mereness, 32.4%A
* Patrick Dinkelacker, 67.6%A

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/4/2015

* Carl J. Stich, Jr. (I), 46.2%A
* Pat Foley, 53.8%A

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/10/2015

* Charles M. Miller (Ohio), 48.3%A
* Jerome J. Metz, Jr. (I), 51.7%A

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/14/2015

* John M. Williams (I), 52.9%A
* Jennifer Branch, 47.1%A

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 7/1/2015

* Amy L. Searcy (I), 66.1%A
* Ray Pater, 33.9%A

Harrison County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

* C. Adrian Pincola, 32.4%A
* Thomas Shawn Hervey (I), 67.6%A

Knox County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division

* Jeffrey C. Williams, 43.8%A
* Jennifer L. Springer, 56.2%A

Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/5/2015

* Dennis N. LoConti, 37.9%A
* John P. O'Donnell (Lake County, Ohio), 62.1%A

Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Lisa Klammer, 44.7%A
* Mark J. Bartolotta (I), 55.3%A

Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, Unexpired term ending 12/31/2016

* Duke Frost (I), 65.6%A
* Philip Proctor, 34.4%A

Logan County Court of Common Pleas, Family Court

* Bridget D. Hawkins, 34.2%A
* Kim Kellogg-Martin, 65.8%A

Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division

* Jay Feldstein, 39.1%A
* Lisa McGowan, 60.9%A

Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Ian B. English, 52.3%A
* Mark Davis (Ohio), 47.7%A

Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Robert N. Rusu (I), 51.9%A
* Susan Maruca, 48.1%A

Medina County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Gary F. Werner, 44.8%A
* Joyce V. Kimbler, 55.2%A

Medina County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* David C. Sheldon, 35.4%A
* Kevin W. Dunn (I), 64.6%A

Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division

* Clifford N. Sickler (I), 40.3%A
* James W. Peters (Ohio), 59.7%A

Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/3/2015

* Frances E. McGee (I), 46.9%A
* Richard Skelton, 53.1%A

Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 7/1/2015

* Dennis J. Adkins (I), 55.0%A
* Susan D. Solle, 45.0%A

Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Bruce Winters (I), 61.7%A
* Lorrain Croy, 38.3%A

Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Becky Doherty, 55.8%A
* Eugene L. Muldowney, 44.2%A

Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Bob Berger, 52.2%A
* David Brode, 47.8%A

Richland County Court of Common Pleas, Unexpired term ending 1/1/2017

* Phillip Naumoff, 35.5%A
* Brent N. Robinson (I), 64.5%A

Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/10/2015

* Barbara J. Ansted (I), 68.0%A
* John P. Kolesar, 32.0%A

Scioto County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Michael L. Jones, 45.8%A
* William T. Marshall (I), 54.2%A

Stark County Court of Common Pleas, Unexpired term ending 1/1/2017

* Chryssa N. Hartnett, 50.1%A
* J. Curtis Werren (I), 49.9%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, Term commencing 1/4/2015

* John P. Quinn (I), 50.6%A
* Katarina V. Cook, 49.5%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, Term commencing 1/1/2015

* Jill Flagg Lanzinger, 25.8%A
* Linda Tucci Teodosio (I), 74.2%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Elinore Marsh Stormer (I), 62.4%A
* Kandi S. O'Connor, 37.6%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/2/2015

* Ron Cable, 38.6%A
* Tammy O'Brien (I), 61.4%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/3/2015

* Lynne S. Callahan (I), 75.4%A
* Tavia Galonski, 24.6%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/5/2015

* Alison McCarty (I), 67.6%A
* Lisa Dean, 32.4%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 1/6/2015

* Beth Whitmore, 45.9%A
* Mary Margaret Rowlands (I), 54.1%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Christine L. Croce (I), 56.8%A
* John Clark (Ohio), 43.2%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 5/1/2015

* Rob McCarty, 44.2%A
* Thomas Parker (I), 55.8%A

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Unexpired term ending 1/4/2017

* Todd McKenney, 50.4%A
* Jon Oldham, 49.6%A

Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, Term commencing 2/9/2015

* Linda A. Kate (I), 62.8%A
* Robert B. Preston III, 37.2%A

Warren County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

* Craig Newburger, 20.1%A
* Robert Peeler (I), 63.3%A
* Roger D. Staton, 16.6%A

## General election: Uncontested[edit]

The following candidates were elected or re-elected after running unopposed in the general election.

### Appellate courts

Court| Candidate

|

Click the arrows in the column headings to sort columns alphabetically.
Eighth District Court of Appeals| Anita Laster Mays
Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals| Arlene Singer
Seventh District Court of Appeals| Cheryl Waite
Eighth District Court of Appeals| Larry A. Jones Sr.
Tenth District Court of Appeals| Lisa Sadler
Eighth District Court of Appeals| Patricia Blackmon
Fourth District Court of Appeals| Peter Abele
Twelfth District Court of Appeals| Robert Hendrickson
Twelfth District Court of Appeals| Robert Ringland
Eighth District Court of Appeals| Sean Gallagher
Sixth District Court of Appeals| Thomas Osowik
10th District Court of Appeals| Timothy S. Horton
Third District Court of Appeals| Vernon Preston
Fifth District Court of Appeals| William Hoffman

### Trial courts

Court| Candidate

|

Click the arrows in the column headings to sort columns alphabetically.
Scioto County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Alan Lemons
Wood County Court of Common Pleas General and Domestic Relations Divisions| Alan R. Mayberry
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas| Alice O. McCollum
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas| Barbara P. Gorman
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas| Beth A. Myers
Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division| Beth A. Smith
Erie County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Beverly K. McGookey
Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions| Brad Smith
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Brendan J. Sheehan
Champaign County Court of Common Pleas| Brett A. Gilbert
Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| C. David Payne
Clinton County Court of Common Pleas| Chad L. Carey
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas| Charles J. Kubicki, Jr.
Butler County Court of Common Pleas| Charles L. Pater
Union County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions| Charlotte Coleman Eufinger
Madison County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Christopher J. Brown
Jackson County Common Pleas Court| Christopher J. Regan
Belmont County Court| Christopher M. Berhalter
Lake County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division| Colleen A. Falkowski
Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas General Division| D. Scott Bowling
Ashland County Court of Common Pleas| Damian Vercillo
Morgan County Court of Common Pleas| Dan W. Favreau
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations/Juvenile Division| Dana S. Preisse
Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas| David A. Trimmer
Fayette County Probate/Juvenile Court| David Bender (Ohio)
Wood County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| David E. Woessner
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division| David Hejmanowski
Ashtabula County Court| David Schroeder
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Deena R. Calabrese
Lucas County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division| Denise Navarre Cubbon
Stark County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| Dixilene N. Park
Union County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Don W. Fraser
Madison County Court of Common Pleas General/Domestic Relations Division| Eamon P. Costello
Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Edward Emmett O'Farrell
Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Eric D. Martin
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas| Ethna M. Cooper
Belmont County Common Pleas Court| Frank Fregiato
Stark County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Frank G. Forchione
Warren County Court| Gary A. Loxley
Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas| Gary Yost
Scioto County Court of Common Pleas| Howard H. Harcha III
Belmont County Common Pleas Court Probate Division| J. Mark Costine
Lucas County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| Jack R. Puffenberger
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| James A. Fredericka
Richland County Court of Common Pleas General Division| James DeWeese
Clermont County Court of Common Pleas| James Shriver
Lorain County Probate Court| James T. Walther
Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Jan Michael Long
Darke County Court of Common Pleas| Jason R. Aslinger
Seneca County Juvenile/Probate Court| Jay A. Meyer
Miami County Court of Common Pleas| Jeannine N. Pratt
Ross County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Jeff Benson
Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division| Jeffrey A. Hooper
Defiance County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Jeffrey A. Strausbaugh
Preble County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Jenifer K. Overmyer
Butler County Court of Common Pleas| Jennifer Muench-McElfresh
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Joan Synenberg
Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas| John M. Durkin
Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas| John P. Dewey
Carroll County Courts of Common Pleas| John S. Campbell
Belmont County Common Pleas Court| John Vavra
Noble County Court of Common Pleas| John W. Nau
Hocking County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile| Jonah M. Saving
Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Joseph Corabi
Hancock County Court of Common Pleas| Joseph H. Niemeyer
Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas| Joseph J. Bruzzese, Jr.
Defiance County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Joseph N. Schmenk
Warren County Common Pleas Court Probate and Juvenile Division| Joseph W. Kirby
Lake County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division| Karen Lawson
Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Kathleen L. Giesler
Van Wert County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Kevin H. Taylor
Highland County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| Kevin L. Greer
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Drug Court Division| Kim Wilson Burke
Hancock County Court of Common Pleas| Kristen K. Johnson
Stark County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Kristin G. Farmer
Meigs County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| L. Scott Powell
Wayne County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Latecia Wiles
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Laura J. Gallagher
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Leslie Ann Celebrezze
Champaign County Court of Common Pleas| Lori L. Reisinger
Perry County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Luann Cooperrider
Butler County Court of Common Pleas| Margot Halcomb
Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Mark C. Fleegle
Auglaize County Court of Common Pleas| Mark E. Spees
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas| Mary Katherine Huffman
Mercer County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Mary Pat Zitter
Harrison County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Matthew P. Puskarich
Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas| Maureen A. Sweeney
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas| Melba D. Marsh
Putnam County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division| Michael A. Borer
Butler County Court of Common Pleas| Michael A. Oster
Fulton County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Michael Bumb
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Michael J. Russo
Lucas County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Michael R. Goulding
Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas| Michelle Garcia Miller
Vinton County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| N. Robert Grillo
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Nancy A. Fuerst
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Nancy Margaret Russo
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Nancy R. McDonnell
Athens County Court of Common Pleas| Pat Lang
Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Peter J. Kontos
Richland County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| Philip Alan B. Mayer
Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas| R. Scott Krichbaum
Butler County Court of Common Pleas| Randy T. Rogers
Clark County Court of Common Pleas| Richard P. Carey
Licking County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division Division| Richard P. Wright
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Robert C. McClelland
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas| Robert C. Winkler
Marion County Court of Common Pleas Family and Probate Court Divisions| Robert D. Fragale
Holmes County Court of Common Pleas| Robert D. Rinfret
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| Robert G. Montgomery
Licking County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile/Probate Division| Robert H. Hoover
Pike County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| Robert N. Rosenberger
Warren County Court| Robert S. Fischer
Athens County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Robert W. Stewart
Highland County Court of Common Pleas| Rocky Coss
Butler County Court of Common Pleas| Ronald R. Craft
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas| Rosemary Grdina Gold
Hardin County Court of Common Pleas| Scott N. Barrett
Brown County Court of Common Pleas| Scott T. Gusweiler
Greene County Court of Common Pleas| Stephen A. Wolaver
Jackson County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| Stephen Michael
Hardin County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| Steven D. Christopher
Crawford County Court of Common Pleas| Steven D. Eckstein
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas| Steven Dankof
Greene County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division| Steven L. Hurley
Williams County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Steven R. Bird
Stark County Court of Common Pleas General Division| Taryn L. Heath
Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas| Terre Vandervoort
Holmes County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| Thomas Lee (Ohio)
Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas| Thomas M. Baronzzi
Licking County Court of Common Pleas| Thomas M. Marcelain
Greene County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| Thomas M. O'Diam
Gallia County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division| Thomas S. Moulton, Jr.
Washington County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile and Probate Division| Timothy A. Williams (Ohio)
Huron County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Division| Timothy L. Cardwell
Perry County Court of Common Pleas| Tina M. Boyer
Coshocton County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division| Van Blanchard, II
Miami County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions| W. McGregor Dixon, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions| William R. Zimmerman

## Primary[edit]

For candidate lists and results from the judicial primary on May 6, 2014, please see: Ohio judicial primary elections, 2014.

## Process[edit]

The Ohio judicial elections consist of a partisan primary and a nonpartisan general election. All judges except those of the municipal courts are elected in even-numbered years.

Primary elections serve to nominate a candidate of a political party for election to an office. The winners of each party's primary go on to face each other in the general election.[3]

## Noteworthy events[edit]

The following articles were current as of the dates listed.

### It's all about Ohio

October 2, 2014| Click for story→

|

See: JP Election Brief: It's all about Ohio

{{Election news collapsed |Title=Two influential names run in Cuyahoga County election |Date=September 11, 2014 |Text= See also: JP Election Brief: Party switches and the soaring cost of campaigning

### Two influential names run in Cuyahoga County election

September 11, 2014| Click for story→

|

See also: JP Election Brief: Party switches and the soaring cost of campaigning

Voters in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, visited the polls on November 4, casting ballots for high-profile races such as U.S. senator, governor, and attorney general. Lower on the ballot were judicial races—such as those for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas—which often see reduced participation in a phenomenon known as "voter falloff."[4]

The 2014 contest between Matthew A. McMonagle and Shannon M. Gallagher was a case in which both candidates brought well-known surnames to the race.[4]

| “  | What makes the Gallagher-McMonagle matchup so compelling is that, with so many judgeships available, rare is the case where two candidates with such tremendous ballot names square off in a general election. In this one, however, Gallagher entered the race knowing full well her opponent would be a McMonagle.

[5]

| ”

|
|

—Brent Larkin

Matthew McMonagle, though not an incumbent, ran to succeed his father, Richard J. McMonagle, who retired due to Ohio’s mandatory retirement age for judges. The elder McMonagle was the fifth member of the family to serve on the common pleas bench.

Gallagher, meanwhile, entered the race with a surname widely recognized in Ohio’s judicial system. As of 2014, five individuals with the Gallagher name served on Ohio courts, including three on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals.[4]

Gallagher noted that the 2014 matchup was unique in that “no one receives a benefit that the other does not,” referring to their mutual name recognition. McMonagle expressed pride in his family's judicial legacy but suggested that a merit-based selection system could help reduce the influence of name familiarity: “If you take the names out of it and go on experience alone, I don’t think this is a close call,” he said.[4]

Resources such as Judge4Yourself.com aim to inform voters by publishing evaluations from bar associations. In 2014, the site rated Gallagher at 2.25 and McMonagle at 3.0 on a 4-point scale.[4]

{{Election news collapsed |Title=O'Grady vs. Brunner for 10th Court of Appeals |Date=September 4, 2014 |Text= See also: JP Election Brief: More lawsuits plus appellate court campaigning

In the race to fill an unexpired term on Ohio's Tenth District Court of Appeals, two candidates with established ties to Franklin County politics competed on November 4.[6]

Republican Amy O'Grady, who was appointed by Governor John Kasich in May 2013 to temporarily fill the seat vacated by Judith French's elevation to the Ohio Supreme Court, sought election to complete the term ending in 2016.[6]

Judge Jennifer Brunner

Democrat Jennifer L. Brunner, a former Ohio secretary of state and court of common pleas judge, entered the race, citing her qualifications and experience in state government. Brunner stated that effective judges should have "familiarity with state government and the relationships between government agencies and the court" and respect the separation of powers.[6]

“  | You need some familiarity with state government and the relationships between government agencies and the court. You need to know and respect the boundaries between the three branches of government.

[5]

| ”

|
|

—Jennifer L. Brunner

Judge Amy O'Grady

O'Grady emphasized her nearly 15 months of experience as an interim judge and prior service as an assistant Ohio attorney general, highlighting her work with crime victims, law enforcement, and the mentally ill as preparation for the role.[6]

“  | My work with crime victims, law-enforcement officers and the mentally ill allows me to look at a case in front of me and see how it will affect all kinds of people. It has been a natural progression through my career that has brought me here. ... This is all I want to do. This is my endgame.

[5]

| ”

|
|

—Amy O'Grady

Appeals court judges earn $132,000 annually. They serve on three-judge panels and hear appeals from common pleas, municipal, and county courts.[6]

### Governor supports female judicial appointees

August 28, 2014| Click for story→

|

During the 2014 judicial election campaign in Ohio, Republican Governor John Kasich supported several incumbent judicial candidates appointed during his administration.[7]

Among the endorsed were appellate judges Amy O'Grady and Betsy Luper Schuster, both serving on the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. O'Grady was appointed in May 2013, while Schuster joined the court in January 2014. Both faced Democratic challengers, including former U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy.[7][8][9]

Kasich also supported Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judges Colleen O'Donnell and Rita McNeil Danish, as well as Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French. French was challenged by John P. O'Donnell, a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in Cleveland.[8][7]

All five endorsed judges were Kasich appointees and women. Kasich highlighted the importance of diversity on the bench, stating: "Let's just face facts, us men. If we don't have women in the room and women on the bench, we're not getting the full picture."[7]

### No Democratic candidate for face off in Mahoning County

August 21, 2014| Click for story→

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In Mahoning County, the Democratic Party did not field a candidate for a seat on the Court of Common Pleas in the 2014 election.

Judge James C. Evans, a Democrat, had planned to retire on September 1, 2014, prompting a special election for the remaining two years of his term. However, Evans postponed his retirement to October 1, 2014, which eliminated the special election and allowed Governor John Kasich to appoint a replacement to serve until December 2016.[10]

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras expressed disappointment, saying Evans "should have let the voters decide who his replacement [was]," rather than leaving the appointment to the governor.[10]

Additionally, the Democratic candidate for the seat, Mark Anthony Hanni, withdrew from the race on July 25, citing his inability to commit fully to the campaign. The party did not field another candidate by the filing deadline, leaving incumbent Judge Maureen A. Sweeney, a Republican, unopposed in the general election.[11]

Betras noted the difficulty of challenging incumbents without significant campaign funding, stating, "Incumbent judges seem to always win unless their opponent can raise a lot of money."[11]

Hanni had previously run for a seat on the 7th District Court of Appeals in 2012 but was unsuccessful.[11]

Write-in candidates had until August 25th to file.[11]

### Probate court election features well-known candidates

August 21, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Primary previews and a 19-person race

In Hamilton County in 2014, two well-known candidates appeared on the ballot: Charlie Luken and Judge Ralph E. Winkler. WVXU Cincinnati described them as having "the most potent political last names in Hamilton County." Both had previous experience in public office and multiple election campaigns. While Ohio judicial elections are officially nonpartisan, party affiliations were apparent in this race.[12]

Ralph Winkler, a Republican, was elected to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas in 2004 and re-elected in 2010. Prior to that, he served five years as a municipal judge and twelve years as an assistant county prosecutor. The Winkler family is well known locally, with several members having held elected positions in state and local government. His father, also named Ralph Winkler, served on the 1st District Court of Appeals. His mother, Cheryl Winkler, was a state representative and Green Township trustee. His brother, Robert C. Winkler, was a judge on the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas at the time of the 2014 election. His wife, Tracy Winkler, served as the county clerk of courts.[12]

Charlie Luken, a Democrat, had served two terms as mayor of Cincinnati (1983–1991 and 1999–2005). He also served one term in the U.S. Congress and worked as a news anchor for WLWT. By 2005, he had entered private legal practice. The Luken family has a history in local politics: both his father, Tom Luken, and uncle, Jim Luken, served on the city council, with Tom Luken also serving as mayor and a member of Congress.[12]

### Challenge to Ohio's current judicial elections system fails

July 3, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Election laws challenged

In Ohio, judicial candidates participate in partisan primaries, but party affiliations do not appear on the general election ballot. A federal court ruling upheld this system, determining that it does not violate the United States Constitution.[6]

U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott ruled against a challenge filed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the Ohio Democratic Party, and others. The plaintiffs argued that omitting party labels in the general election infringed on their First Amendment rights. Supporters of the existing system maintained that sufficient information on candidates’ party affiliations is available for interested voters.[13]

While Judge Dlott expressed reservations about the system's effectiveness, noting it may not serve public interests well, she upheld the state's authority to regulate elections.[6]

### Feedback on party labels in Ohio judicial elections

May 29, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Primary season in high gear--what you may have missed and upcoming races to watch

As part of her "Ohio Courts 2013" reform plan, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor solicited public feedback on the role of party affiliation in judicial elections.[14][8]

Responses were divided, with some supporting the removal of party labels in judicial elections and others believing that such labels aid voters in making informed choices. O'Connor expressed opposition to including party labels, but due to the split feedback, the proposal was removed from her reform plan.[8]

O'Connor shifted focus to other reform proposals, including raising judicial qualifications, scheduling judicial elections in odd-numbered years, positioning judicial races at the top of ballots, and increasing voter education about judicial candidates.[15][7]

Ohio remains the only state with partisan primaries for judges but no party labels on the general election ballot. Nationwide, 22 states elect judges, with 14 using nonpartisan elections and seven using partisan elections.[8]

O'Connor emphasized maintaining judicial elections, stating voters have supported competitive elections for judges, rather than merit-based appointments.[7]

### One vote win in Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Court judicial contest

May 8, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Judicial voting round-up

The May 6, 2014 Democratic primary for the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division featured a contest between Andy Warhola and Kent D. Biegler. Warhola won by a margin of one vote, receiving 918 votes to Biegler's 917.[16]

Because the margin was less than half a percent, an automatic recount was triggered, as required by Ohio election law. A total of 1,835 votes were cast in the primary.[17][18]

Warhola, licensed since 1979, operated a solo legal practice in Cambridge, Ohio, and has practiced regularly in the Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Division. His judicial philosophy includes collaboration with law enforcement, social service agencies, and public officials to benefit the community. Warhola considers probation supervision of juveniles a privilege and supports programs addressing teen substance abuse and mental health.[19] [19]

Biegler served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Guernsey County for over sixteen years and previously worked for Children Services protecting child victims of abuse and neglect for over eight years.[20][17]

{{Election news collapsed |Title=Ohio candidate fixes misprinted yard signs |Date=May 1, 2014 |Text= See also: JP Election Brief: Primaries galore

In the final days before the May 6 primary, Steve Eckstein of Fayette County addressed an error in his campaign materials while campaigning for Fayette County Probate-Juvenile Judge.[21]

Eckstein’s yard signs and print advertisements lacked the word "for" between his name and the office title, which is required by Ohio election rules to avoid implying incumbency. His signs used a line and star separator, but this was deemed insufficient to comply with the rules.[21]

Eckstein apologized for the oversight and stated that misleading voters was not his intention. He corrected the signage and expressed a commitment to transparency.[21]

“  | I'm completely transparent and completely open. When mistakes are made it is best to own up to them. I hope Fayette County appreciates that.

[5]

| ”

|
|

—Steve Eckstein

[21]

### Fundraising among Ohio Supreme Court incumbents

May 1, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Primaries galore

Incumbents Judith L. French and Sharon L. Kennedy both ran for re-election to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2014, appearing on the Republican primary ballot on May 6.

Campaign finance reports filed in April indicated French raised approximately $259,510 during the first four months of 2014.[22] Her opponent, John P. O'Donnell, reported contributions totaling around $89,791.[23]

Kennedy reported raising approximately $137,295 in the same period.[24] Her opponent, Tom Letson, did not file a campaign finance report, which is required only when contributions or expenditures exceed $1,000.[25]

These totals were lower than amounts raised by Supreme Court candidates in 2012, who collectively raised nearly $3.5 million.[26] Candidates had additional time after the reporting period to fundraise before the general election.

Kennedy's campaign received funds from organizations including Time Warner Cable Ohio's PAC, the Friends of Ohio Hospitals, and the Ohio Farm Bureau PAC.[24] French received contributions from various law firms, insurance PACs, and the Ohio Oil and Gas Producers Fund.[22]

Ohio Supreme Court candidates face specific fundraising rules, including a prohibition on soliciting donations before 120 days prior to the primary. They compete in partisan primaries but participate in nonpartisan general elections, where party affiliation is not indicated on the ballot.

For more information, see: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2014

### Lucas County races see party endorsements

April 24, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Primary match-ups across the nation

For the first time since 2005, the Lucas County Democratic Party endorsed candidates ahead of the May 6 primary.[27]

The party had previously suspended pre-primary endorsements to maintain neutrality during the 2005 Toledo mayoral election. However, after Democratic candidates split the vote in the 2013 mayoral race—resulting in no Democrat advancing to the general election—the party opted to resume endorsements.[27]

In the primary for Lucas County Common Pleas judge, the party endorsed Ian B. English, an assistant prosecutor for the county at the time. Other candidates included Lucas County Juvenile Magistrate Laura Restivo and Toledo attorney Richard L. Roberts. The seat was open due to Judge Frederick H. McDonald reaching the mandatory retirement age.[28]

English won the Democratic primary and faced Mark Davis, a Toledo attorney who ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Davis had previously run for Toledo Municipal Court in 2011.[28]

The party also endorsed Jay Feldstein for the Domestic Relations Division judgeship. Feldstein was a practicing attorney in Toledo.[27]

### Lake County attorney removed from primary ballot

March 13, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: Close races, scandal and removal from the ballot

Attorney Patricia Lynn Winfield was removed from the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals primary ballot after a residency challenge by a local resident.[29]

Winfield, a Democrat, sought election to a seat on the Eleventh District Court of Appeals, which serves Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Portage, and Trumbull counties. Although she listed a Willoughby address on her paperwork, challenger Paul R. Malchesky argued she lived in Euclid, outside the district. At the hearing, Winfield acknowledged she owned the Willoughby property but had not yet moved in.[29]

The Lake County Board of Elections voted unanimously to disqualify Winfield, citing failure to meet the residency requirement. Board chairman David Vitaz stated, “We reviewed the evidence and we all agreed the residency requirement at that address was not met.”[29] Under Ohio law and the state constitution, judicial candidates must reside in the district where they are running.[30]

Winfield expressed disagreement with the decision and noted she had planned to move into the district. She also explained that her move prevented her from qualifying to run in the 8th District.[29]

With Winfield removed, incumbent Judge Timothy Cannon ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican Ron Tamburrino in the general election.[31]

### County board of elections moves offices from city to suburbs

February 27, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: The importance of primaries

In a divided vote, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted approved a proposal to move the Hamilton County Board of Elections office from downtown Cincinnati to the suburb of Mt. Airy after the 2016 general election.[32]

The county board had split along party lines, with Democrats opposing the move, citing concerns about reduced access to early in-person voting for residents without cars. Republicans on the board supported the move, citing improved facilities and parking availability at the new site.[13]

Husted cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the move and directed the board to work toward a bipartisan agreement on improving early voting access at Mt. Airy or identifying a more suitable location by 2017.[33]

The decision drew criticism from groups including the ACLU, NAACP, and local Democratic leaders. Opponents pointed to recent changes in Ohio voting laws, such as the elimination of Sunday voting and one week of early voting, as compounding barriers to voter access.[34]

The ACLU estimated that 59% of Cincinnati residents lived near the downtown location, compared to 29% near the Mt. Airy site, which it said was a 1.5-hour bus ride from downtown.[32] NAACP President Ishton Morton indicated legal action might be considered in the future.[35]

The new facility, a former hospital building, was donated by Catholic Health Partners and was also slated to house the county crime lab and sheriff’s offices.[13]

### Ohio probate court judge investigated

February 13, 2014| Click for story→

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See also: JP Election Brief: The Election Brief is back!

Mahoning County Probate Court Judge Mark A. Belinky, who had recently filed for re-election, was under investigation for alleged misconduct, according to court records obtained by local news sources.[36]

Investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the county sheriff’s office searched Belinky’s court office and home. Items seized included financial records, donor lists, and electronic data.[36] The investigation was linked to both Belinky’s campaign and his conduct while in office.[37]

Court documents cited potential offenses including bribery, theft, and money laundering, though no charges had been filed as of February 11.[36]

Belinky had previously faced financial challenges. A lawsuit filed in 2013 alleged he failed to repay a $20,000 debt, and in 2011 the IRS filed a lien claiming over $32,000 in unpaid taxes. In a public statement, Belinky said he was cooperating fully with authorities and that the court remained operational.[36] He also stated that he had “faithfully discharged” his duties as judge.[38]

## See also[edit]

* Ohio judicial elections
* Judicial selection in Ohio

## External links[edit]

* Ohio Secretary of State, "Elections and Voting"

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Politics1, "Ohio," accessed June 1, 2014
2. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "2014 Ohio Election Calendar," accessed July 14, 2014
3. ↑ Ohio Revised Code, "3501.01 Election procedure - election officials definitions," accessed May 4, 2014
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Cleveland.com, "The name game still vanquishes all else in Cuyahoga County judicial elections: Brent Larkin," September 5, 2014
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Columbus Dispatch, "In appeals court race, Brunner says she has experience edge on O’Grady," September 1, 2014 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "dispatch" defined multiple times with different content
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Cleveland.com, "Gov. John Kasich pushes for support of Republican women judicial candidates," August 21, 2014 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "cleve" defined multiple times with different content
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 The Columbus Dispatch, "All 4 incumbents in Franklin County’s 8 judicial races are Kasich appointees," August 27, 2014 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "cbus" defined multiple times with different content
9. ↑ Kilroy For Judge, "Meet Mary Jo," accessed June 14, 2014
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 WKBN.com, "Judge delay throws wrench into replacement process," August 1, 2014
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Vindy.com, "Dems can’t find candidate to challenge Judge Sweeney," August 2, 2014
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 WVXU Cincinnati, "Luken vs. Winkler: This probate court race is no snoozer," August 17, 2014
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 WVXU.org, "Unraveling the mystery of judicial candidates," June 22, 2014 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "wvxu" defined multiple times with different content
14. ↑ See: Maureen O'Connor
15. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Strengthen Ohio judicial elections: Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor," May 13, 2013
16. ↑ Guernsey County Board of Elections, "Statement of Votes Cast, Unofficial Election Report for 5/06/2014," accessed May 7, 2014
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Court News Ohio.gov, "Democratic Race for Guernsey County Judgeship May Be Headed for Recount," May 7, 2014
18. ↑ Ohio Revised Code.gov, "Chapter 3515.011 Recounts ordered by board," accessed May 7, 2014
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Warhola For Judge.com, "My Ten Points for Guernsey County Juvenile/Probate Judge," accessed May 7, 2014
20. ↑ www.facebook.com, "Kent Biegler For Judge," accessed May 7, 2014
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `advocate`
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `French`
23. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Judge O'Donnell for Justice (John) disclosure report," April 24, 2014
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `Kennedy`
25. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Republican Supreme Court justices beat Democratic rivals in fundraising," April 25, 2014
26. ↑ Justice at Stake, The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, and The National Institute on Money in State Politics, "The New Politics of Judicial Elections 2011-12, Chapter 1: The Money Trail," October 2013
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 The Toledo Blade, "Lucas County Democratic Party votes to endorse candidates in 3 contested Democratic races," March 31, 2014
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 The Toledo Blade, "3 Democrats vie for judgeship," April 21, 2014
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 The News-Herald, "Lake County Elections Board removes appeals court candidate from primary ballot," March 4, 2014
30. ↑ The Ohio Secretary of State, "2014 Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide," December 24, 2013
31. ↑ The News-Herald, "Northeast Ohio appeals court judicial candidate has residency questioned," February 25, 2015
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 ACLU, "What's Wrong With this Picture?" February 26, 2014
33. ↑ Cincinnati Business Courier, "Board of Elections to move," February 21, 2014
34. ↑ Cincinnati.com, "Early voting eliminated on Sundays across Ohio," February 25, 2014
35. ↑ WLWT.com, "Cincinnati NAACP: BOE move 'Extremely suppressive'," February 26, 2014
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 WFMJ.com, "Investigation targets Judge Belinky's political campaign and suspected corruption," February 10, 2014
37. ↑ WFMJ.com, "Attorney Generals office not releasing any details into Belinky investigation," February 9, 2014
38. ↑ WFMJ.com, "State investigating Mahoning County judge," February 7, 2014

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