Ohio Supreme Court elections

There are seven justices on the Ohio Supreme Court. For more information about these elections, visit the Ohio judicial elections page.

## Contents

* 1 Judicial selection
* 1.1 Qualifications
* 1.2 Chief justice
* 1.3 Vacancies
* 2 Elections
* 2.1 2016
* 2.1.1 November 8 general election
* 2.1.2 March 15 primary election
* 2.2 2014
* 2.3 2012
* 2.4 2010
* 2.5 2008
* 2.6 2006
* 2.7 2004
* 2.7.1 Contested elections
* 2.7.2 Uncontested elections
* 2.8 2002
* 2.9 2000
* 2.10 1998
* 2.11 1996
* 2.12 1994
* 2.13 1992
* 3 See also
* 4 External links
* 5 Footnotes

## Judicial selection[edit]

See also: Judicial selection in Ohio

The seven justices of the Ohio Supreme Court are selected through partisan primaries and partisan general elections. Previously, these judges were selected through partisan primaries and nonpartisan general elections, known as the Michigan method.[1][2][3]

All judges serve six-year terms, after which they are required to run for re-election if they wish to remain on the court.[3]

### Qualifications[edit]

To serve on the Ohio Supreme Court, a judge must:

* have at least six years in the practice of law;
* be licensed to practice law in the state for at least one year preceding appointment or commencement of the judge's term;
* be a judge of a court of record in any jurisdiction in the U.S.; and
* be under the age of 70.[4]

### Chief justice[edit]

The chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court is chosen by voters at large, serving a full six-year term in that capacity.[3]

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state supreme courts

In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a replacement. The appointee serves until the next general election taking place 40 or more days after the vacancy occurred. If re-elected, the judge serves the remainder of his or her predecessor's unexpired term.[3]

The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.

## Elections[edit]

* 2030
* 2028
* 2026
* 2024
* 2022
* 2020
* 2018

See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2030

###  Term starts 01/02/2031

There are no official candidates yet for this election.

###  Term starts 01/01/2031

There are no official candidates yet for this election.

See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2028

### Ohio Supreme Court

There are no official candidates yet for this election.

### Ohio Supreme Court

####  General election

The general election will occur on November 7, 2028.

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Pat Fischer (R) is running in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 7, 2028.

Candidate

|

| Pat Fischer (R)

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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### Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

There are no official candidates yet for this election.

See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2026

###  Dan Hawkins' seat

####  General election

The primary will occur on May 5, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Marilyn Zayas (D) is running in the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 5, 2026.

Candidate

|

| Marilyn Zayas

* * *

There are no incumbents in this race.

|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Dan Hawkins (R) is running in the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 5, 2026.

Candidate

|

| Dan Hawkins

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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###  Jennifer Brunner's seat

####  General election

The primary will occur on May 5, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Jennifer L. Brunner (D) is running in the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 5, 2026.

Candidate

|

| Jennifer L. Brunner

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Andrew King (R), Jill Flagg Lanzinger (R), Ronald Lewis (R), and Colleen O'Donnell (R) are running in the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 5, 2026.

Candidate

|

| Andrew King

| Jill Flagg Lanzinger

Submit photo

| Ronald Lewis

| Colleen O'Donnell

* * *

There are no incumbents in this race.

|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2024

###  Regular election: Term starts 01/01/2025

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Megan E. Shanahan (R) defeated incumbent Michael P. Donnelly (D) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Megan E. Shanahan (R) |

55.6

| 3,025,884

| Michael P. Donnelly (D) |

44.4

| 2,415,507

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 5,441,391

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Michael P. Donnelly (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on March 19, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Michael P. Donnelly |

100.0

| 462,982

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 462,982

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Megan E. Shanahan (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on March 19, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Megan E. Shanahan |

100.0

| 836,768

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 836,768

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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###  Special election: Term ends 12/31/2026

####  General election

##### Special general election for Ohio Supreme Court

Dan Hawkins (R) defeated Lisa Forbes (D) in the special general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Dan Hawkins (R) |

55.0

| 2,998,592

| Lisa Forbes (D)  |

45.0

| 2,456,462

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 5,455,054

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Special Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Lisa Forbes (D) defeated Terri Jamison (D) in the special Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on March 19, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Lisa Forbes |

63.8

| 310,635

| Terri Jamison |

36.2

| 175,965

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 486,600

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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#### Republican primary

##### Special Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Dan Hawkins (R) advanced from the special Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on March 19, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Dan Hawkins |

100.0

| 810,411

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 810,411

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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###  Regular election: Term starts 01/02/2025

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Joseph Deters (R) defeated incumbent Melody Stewart (D) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Joseph Deters (R) |

55.1

| 2,997,144

| Melody Stewart (D)  |

44.9

| 2,443,066

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 5,440,210

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Melody Stewart (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on March 19, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Melody Stewart |

100.0

| 459,539

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 459,539

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Joseph Deters (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on March 19, 2024.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Joseph Deters |

100.0

| 835,968

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 835,968

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2022

### Ohio Supreme Court

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Pat DeWine (R) defeated Marilyn Zayas (D) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 8, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Pat DeWine (R) |

56.3

| 2,306,428

| Marilyn Zayas (D)  |

43.7

| 1,789,384

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 4,095,812

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Marilyn Zayas (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 3, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Marilyn Zayas |

100.0

| 406,732

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 406,732

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Pat DeWine (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 3, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Pat DeWine |

100.0

| 719,162

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 719,162

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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### Ohio Supreme Court

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Pat Fischer (R) defeated Terri Jamison (D) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 8, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Pat Fischer (R) |

56.9

| 2,330,575

| Terri Jamison (D) |

43.1

| 1,764,845

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 4,095,420

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Terri Jamison (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 3, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Terri Jamison |

100.0

| 418,525

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 418,525

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Pat Fischer (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 3, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Pat Fischer |

100.0

| 788,538

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 788,538

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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### Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

Incumbent Sharon L. Kennedy (R) defeated incumbent Jennifer L. Brunner (D) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice on November 8, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Sharon L. Kennedy (R) |

56.1

| 2,307,415

| Jennifer L. Brunner (D)  |

43.9

| 1,807,133

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 4,114,548

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

Incumbent Jennifer L. Brunner (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice on May 3, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Jennifer L. Brunner |

100.0

| 445,711

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 445,711

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

Incumbent Sharon L. Kennedy (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice on May 3, 2022.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Sharon L. Kennedy |

100.0

| 814,717

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 814,717

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2020

###  Kennedy's seat

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Sharon L. Kennedy (Nonpartisan) defeated John P. O'Donnell (Nonpartisan) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Sharon L. Kennedy (Nonpartisan) |

55.1

| 2,735,041

| John P. O'Donnell (Nonpartisan) |

44.9

| 2,231,724

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 4,966,765

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

John P. O'Donnell (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on April 28, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| John P. O'Donnell |

100.0

| 659,196

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 659,196

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Sharon L. Kennedy (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on April 28, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Sharon L. Kennedy |

100.0

| 637,255

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 637,255

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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###  French's seat

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Jennifer L. Brunner (Nonpartisan) defeated incumbent Judith French (Nonpartisan) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Jennifer L. Brunner (Nonpartisan)  |

55.3

| 2,695,072

| Judith French (Nonpartisan) |

44.7

| 2,174,820

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 4,869,892

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Jennifer L. Brunner (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on April 28, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Jennifer L. Brunner |

100.0

| 675,231

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 675,231

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Judith French (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on April 28, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Judith French |

100.0

| 618,739

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 618,739

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2018

###  O'Donnell's seat

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Michael P. Donnelly (D) defeated Craig Baldwin (R) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Michael P. Donnelly (D) |

61.0

| 2,170,227

| Craig Baldwin (R) |

39.0

| 1,385,435

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 3,555,662

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Democratic primary

##### Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Michael P. Donnelly (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 8, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Michael P. Donnelly |

100.0

| 501,831

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 501,831

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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#### Republican primary

##### Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Craig Baldwin (R) advanced from the Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 8, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Craig Baldwin |

100.0

| 595,000

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 595,000

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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###  DeGenaro's seat

####  General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Melody Stewart (D) defeated incumbent Mary DeGenaro (R) in the general election for Ohio Supreme Court on November 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Melody Stewart (D) |

52.6

| 1,853,418

| Mary DeGenaro (R) |

47.4

| 1,667,258

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 3,520,676

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Nonpartisan primary

##### Nonpartisan primary election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Mary DeGenaro (R) and Melody Stewart (D) advanced from the primary for Ohio Supreme Court on May 8, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| Mary DeGenaro (R) |

53.8

| 581,244

| Melody Stewart (D) |

46.2

| 500,084

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 1,081,328

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Previous election results

### 2016

See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2016

#### November 8 general election

Incumbent Maureen O'Connor (Ohio) ran unopposed in the general election for the Ohio Supreme Court, O'Connor's seat.

Ohio Supreme Court, O'Connor's Seat, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Maureen O'Connor (Ohio) Incumbent (unopposed) | 100.00% | 3,562,413
Total Votes (100% reporting) | 3,562,413
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results

Pat Fischer defeated John P. O'Donnell in the general election for the Ohio Supreme Court, Lanziger's seat.

Ohio Supreme Court, Lanziger's Seat, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Pat Fischer | 50.28% | 2,044,984
| Democratic  | John P. O'Donnell | 49.72% | 2,022,514
Total Votes (100% reporting) | 4,067,498
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results

Pat DeWine defeated Cynthia Rice in the general election for the Ohio Supreme Court, Pfeiffer's seat.

Ohio Supreme Court, Pfeifer's Seat, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Pat DeWine | 56.31% | 2,438,641
| Democratic  | Cynthia Rice | 43.69% | 1,892,450
Total Votes (100% reporting) | 4,331,091
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results

#### March 15 primary election

Ohio Supreme Court, Justice O'Connor's Seat Republican Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Maureen O'Connor Incumbent (unopposed) | 100.00% | 1,353,231
Total Votes | 1,353,231
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results
Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Lazinger's Seat Republican Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Pat Fischer | 54.26% | 761,771
| Republican  | Colleen O'Toole | 45.74% | 642,048
Total Votes | 1,403,819
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results
Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Lazinger's Seat Democratic Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  John P. O'Donnell (unopposed) | 100.00% | 776,945
Total Votes | 776,945
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results
Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Pfiefer's Seat Republican Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Pat DeWine (unopposed) | 100.00% | 1,336,648
Total Votes | 1,336,648
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results
Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Pfiefer's Seat Democratic Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  Cynthia Rice (unopposed) | 100.00% | 807,997
Total Votes | 807,997
Source: Ohio Secretary of State Official Results

### 2014

Term commencing 1/1/15Candidate| Incumbency| Party| Primary Vote| Election Vote

|
|
|
|

LetsonTom Letson | Yes| Democratic| 100%A| 27.5% D
KennedySharon L. KennedyA| Yes| Republican| 100%A| 72.5% A
Term commencing 1/2/15Candidate| Incumbency| Party| Primary Vote| Election Vote

|
|
|
|

O'DonnellJohn P. O'Donnell | No| Democratic| 100%A|
FrenchJudith FrenchA| Yes| Republican| 100%A| 55.9% A

### 2012

See also: Ohio judicial elections, 2012
Candidate| Incumbency| Party| Term| Primary Vote| Election Vote

|
|
|
|
|

SkindellMike Skindell | No| Democratic| Term commencing 1/1/2013| | 30.87% A
CuppRobert Cupp | Yes| Republican| Term commencing 1/2/2013| | 47.48% A
KennedySharon L. Kennedy A| No| Republican| | | 57.02% A
O'DonnellTerrence O'Donnell (Ohio) A| Yes| Republican| | | 69.12% A
O'NeillWilliam O'Neill (Ohio) A| No| Democratic| | 71.3%A| 52.51% A
McGee BrownYvette McGee Brown | Yes| Democratic| | | 42.97% A

### 2010

See also: 2010 State Supreme Court elections

Incumbent Eric Brown faced challenger Maureen O'Connor and was defeated.

Ohio Supreme Court 2010 General election resultsCandidate| Votes| Percent

|
|

Maureen O'Connor | n/a| 67.8%
Eric Brown| n/a| n/a

Incumbent Judith Ann Lanzinger faced challenger Mary Jane Trapp and won.

Ohio Supreme Court 2010 General election resultsCandidate| Votes| Percent

|
|

Judith Ann Lanzinger | n/a| 56.9%
Mary Jane Trapp| n/a| n/a

Paul Pfeifer ran uncontested and was elected.

Ohio Supreme Court 2010 General election resultsCandidate| Votes| Percent

|
|

Paul Pfeifer | n/a| n/a

### 2008

See also: State Supreme Court elections, 2008

Incumbent Maureen O'Connor defeated challenger Joseph D. Russo.

Ohio Supreme Court 2008 General election resultsCandidate| Votes| Percent

|
|

Maureen O'Connor | n/a| 67%
Joseph D. Russo| n/a| 44%

Incumbent Evelyn L. Stratton defeated challenger Peter M. Sikora.

Ohio Supreme Court 2008 General election resultsCandidate| Votes| Percent

|
|

Evelyn L. Stratton | n/a| 63%
Peter M. Sikora| n/a| 37%

### 2006

In the November 2006 general election, incumbent Justice Terrence O'Donnell was again challenged by Judge William O'Neill, of the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals. O'Neill previously ran against O'Donnell in 2004, as O'Donnell competed in his first election to the Supreme Court. O'Donnell won re-election.

Robert Cupp, judge on the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals, ran against Ben Espy, a former Columbus City Council member and state senator, for the position commencing on January 2, 2007. Cupp won the seat.[5][6]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Primary votes| Primary %| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Terrence O'Donnell A | Yes | Term commencing January 1, 2007| Republican| 607,109| 100%| 1,903,702 | 58.7%
William O'Neill | No | Term commencing January 1, 2007| Democratic| 395,239| 53.2%| 1,341,258 | 41.3%
Robert Cupp A | No | Term commencing January 2, 2007| Republican| 564,838| 100%| 1,712,584 | 53.2%
Ben Espy | No | Term commencing January 2, 2007| Democratic| 350,505| 51.3%| 1,505,255 | 46.8%

### 2004

In the November 2004 general election, incumbent Chief Justice Thomas Moyer ran against Ellen Connally, a Cleveland Municipal Court judge, for the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Moyer won re-election.

Incumbent Justice Terrence O'Donnell was challenged by Judge William O'Neill, of the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals, for the unexpired term to which O'Donnell was appointed in May 2003. O'Donnell won the seat.

Judith Ann Lanzinger, a judge for the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals, ran against Nancy A. Fuerst, a Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas judge for the term beginning on January 1, 2005. Lanzinger won the seat.

Incumbent Justice Paul Pfeifer ran uncontested for the term beginning on January 2, 2005.[7][8][9][10]

#### Contested elections

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Primary votes| Primary %| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Thomas Moyer A | Yes | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court| Republican| 658,235| 100.0%| 2,358,135 | 53.2%
Ellen Connally | No | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court| Democratic| 846,191| 100.0%| 2,073,886 | 46.8%
Terrence O'Donnell A | Yes | Unexpired term| Republican| 594,936| 100.0%| 2,560,609 | 60.5%
William O'Neill | No | Unexpired term| Democratic| 843,678| 100.0%| 1,671,827 | 39.5%
Judith Ann Lanzinger A | No | Term commencing January 1, 2005| Republican| 599,873| 100.0%| 2,500,966 | 57.0%
Nancy A. Fuerst | No | Term commencing January 1, 2005| Democratic| 594,918| 60.2%| 1,885,959 | 43.0%

#### Uncontested elections

Candidate | Incumbent

|

Paul Pfeifer A | Yes

### 2002

In the November 5, 2002 general election, Maureen O'Connor, the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, ran against Timothy S. Black, a Hamilton County Municipal Court judge, for the term commencing on January 1, 2003. O'Connor was elected to the court.

Incumbent Justice Evelyn Stratton ran against Janet R. Burnside, a judge for the general division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, for the term commencing on January 2, 2003. Stratton was re-elected.[11]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|

Maureen O'Connor A | No | Term commencing January 1, 2003| Republican| 1,709,673 | 57.3%
Timothy S. Black | No | Term commencing January 1, 2003| Democratic| 1,276,497 | 42.7%
Evelyn Stratton A | Yes | Term commencing January 2, 2003| Republican| 1,599,165 | 55.3%
Janet R. Burnside | No | Term commencing January 2, 2003| Democratic| 1,290,412 | 44.7%

### 2000

In the November 7, 2000 general election, incumbent Justice Deborah Cook ran against Timothy S. Black, a Hamilton County Municipal Court judge, for the term commencing on January 1, 2001. Cook was re-elected

Incumbent Justice Alice Resnick was challenged by Terrence O'Donnell, a judge for the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, for the term commencing on January 2, 2001. Resnick was re-elected.[12][13]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Primary votes| Primary %| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Deborah Cook A | Yes | Term commencing January 1, 2001| Republican| 948,526| 100.0%| 2,013,140 | 51.9%
Timothy S. Black | No | Term commencing January 1, 2001| Democratic| 405,184| 54.6%| 1,867,554 | 48.1%
Alice Resnick A | Yes | Term commencing January 2, 2001| Democratic| 716,031| 100.0%| 2,312,073 | 57.0%
Terrence O'Donnell | No | Term commencing January 2, 2001| Republican| 897,324| 100.0%| 1,740,516 | 43.0%

### 1998

In the November 3, 1998 general election, incumbent Chief Justice Thomas Moyer ran against Gary Tyack, an Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals judge, for the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Moyer was re-elected.

Incumbent Justice Francis E. Sweeney, Sr. was challenged by Stephen Powell, a judge on the Ohio Twelfth District Court of Appeals, for the term commencing on January 1, 1999. Sweeney was re-elected.

Incumbent Justice Paul Pfeifer ran against Ronald Suster, a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, for the term commencing on January 2, 1999. Pfeifer won the seat.[14][15]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Primary votes| Primary %| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Thomas Moyer A | Yes | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court| Republican| 598,221| 100.0%| 1,997,455 | 72.2%
Gary Tyack | No | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court| Democratic| 545,503| 100.0%| 770,769 | 27.8%
Francis E. Sweeney A | Yes | Term commencing January 1, 1999| Democratic| 617,548| 100.0%| 1,677,791 | 61.5%
Stephen Powell | No | Term commencing January 1, 1999| Republican| 554,144| 100.0%| 1,049,561 | 38.5%
Paul Pfeifer A | Yes | Term commencing January 2, 1999| Republican| 567,600| 100.0%| 1,947,916 | 71.4%
Ronald Suster | No | Term commencing January 2, 1999| Democratic| 509,904| 100.0%| 781,103 | 28.6%

### 1996

In the November 5, 1996 general election, incumbent Justice Andrew G. Douglas ran against Peter Sikora, a Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas judge, for the term commencing on January 1, 1997. Douglas was re-elected.

Marianna Brown Bettman, a judge on the Ohio First District Court of Appeals, ran against Evelyn Stratton, a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, for the term commencing on January 2, 1997. Stratton was elected to the court.[16]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|

Andrew G. Douglas A | Yes | Term commencing January 1, 1997| Republican| 2,230,601 | 66.2%
Peter Sikora | No | Term commencing January 1, 1997| Democratic| 1,138,106 | 33.8%
Marianna Brown Bettman | No | Term commencing January 2, 1997| Democratic| 1,427,947 | 41.5%
Evelyn Stratton A | No | Term commencing January 2, 1997| Republican| 2,016,264 | 58.5%

### 1994

In the November 8, 1994 general election, Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Deborah Cook ran against J. Ross Haffey, an attorney practicing in Cleveland, for the term commencing on January 1, 1995. Judge Cook won the seat.

Sara J. Harper, a judge on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals ran against Alice R. Resnick, a judge on the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals, for the term commencing on January 2, 1995. Resnick was elected to the court.[17]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|

Deborah Cook A | No | Justice of the Supreme Court for the term commencing on January 1, 1995| Republican| 1,842,063 | 68.1%
J. Ross Haffey 2706849 | No | Justice of the Supreme Court for the term commencing on January 1, 1995| Independent| 864,786 | 31.9%
Sara J. Harper | No | Justice of the Supreme Court for the term commencing on January 2, 1995| Republican| 1,144,143 | 41.0%
Alice R. Resnick A | Yes | Justice of the Supreme Court for the term commencing on January 2, 1995| Democratic| 1,645,061 | 59.0%

### 1992

In the November 3, 1992 general election, incumbent Chief Justice Thomas Moyer ran against Robert H. Gorman, an Ohio First District Court of Appeals judge, and J. Ross Haffey, an attorney practicing in Cleveland, for the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Moyer was re-elected.

Francis E. Sweeney, Sr., a judge for the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, ran against Mark Philip Painter, a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court, for the term commencing on January 1, 1993. Sweeney won the seat.

Paul Pfeifer, a senator for the Ohio State Senate, ran against John T. Patton, a judge on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, for the term commencing on January 2, 1993. Pfeifer was elected to the court.[18]

Candidate | Incumbent | Seat| Party| Election votes | Election %

|
|
|
|
|

Thomas Moyer A | Yes | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for the term commencing January 1, 1993| Republican| 1,775,596 | 46.7%
Robert H. Gorman | No | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court| Democratic| 1,670,248 | 43.9%
J. Ross Haffey | No | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court| Independent| 354,944 | 9.3%
Francis E. Sweeney A | No | Term commencing on January 1, 1993| Democratic| 2,008,854 | 52.2%
Mark P. Painter | No | Term commencing on January 1, 1993| Republican| 1,838,307 | 47.8%
Paul Pfeifer A | No | Term commencing on January 2, 1993| Republican| 2,015,685 | 53.0%
John T. Patton | No | Term commencing on January 2, 1993| Democratic| 1,785,215 | 47.0%

## See also[edit]

Ohio | Judicial Selection | More Courts

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|

Courts in Ohio Ohio District Courts of Appeals Ohio Supreme Court |  Elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 Gubernatorial appointments Judicial selection in Ohio |  Federal courts State courts Local courts

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## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, “Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide,” accessed December 7, 2021
2. ↑ Ohio General Assembly, “(Senate Bill Number 80),” accessed December 7, 2021
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Ohio," accessed September 1, 2021
4. ↑ Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules, "Section 2503.01 | Composition of supreme court; qualifications for justices.," accessed April 12, 2023
5. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Ohio Supreme Court Term Beginning January 1, 2007, November 7, 2006
6. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Ohio Supreme Court Term Beginning January 2, 2007, November 7, 2006
7. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Chief Justice Of The Ohio Supreme Court, November 2, 2004
8. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court - Unexpired Term, November 2, 2004
9. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 1, 2005, November 2, 2004
10. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 2, 2005, November 2, 2004
11. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Official Website: Election Results, Justices Of The Ohio Supreme Court, November 5, 2002
12. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 1, 2001, November 7, 2000
13. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 2, 2001, November 7, 2000
14. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Chief Justice of The Supreme Court, November 3, 1998
15. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justices of The Supreme Court, November 3, 1998
16. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court, November 5, 1996
17. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court, November 8, 1994
18. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: General Election, November 3, 1992

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