Ohio Supreme Court elections

There are seven justices on the Ohio Supreme Court. In Ohio, judges are elected by partisan primary and nonpartisan general election to six-year terms. Midterm vacancies are filled by appointment. Newly appointed judges must stand for election during the next general election more than 40 days after the vacancy to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. For more information about these elections, visit the Ohio judicial elections page.

## Judicial selection[edit]

See also: Judicial selection in Ohio

The seven justices of the Ohio Supreme Court are selected through partisan primaries and nonpartisan general elections.[1]

All judges serve six-year terms, after which they are required to run for re-election if they wish to remain on the court.[1]

### Qualifications[edit]

* at least six years in the practice of law; and
* under the age of 70.[1]

### 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. Ohio is one of seven states in which the chief justice is elected by voters.[1]

### 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.[1]

In 2007, Governor Ted Strickland (D) issued an executive order creating a judicial appointment recommendation panel to assist in making new appointments. The panel evaluates applicants and advises the governor, but the governor is not bound to the panel's recommendations.[1] A similar system was established in 1972 under Governor Jack Gilligan (D), but it was abolished by Governor James A. Rhodes (R) three years later.[2]

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

## Elections[edit]

# 2020[edit]

See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2020

### French's seat[edit]

General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Jennifer L. Brunner defeated incumbent Judith French 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.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Jennifer L. Brunner 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.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Judith French 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

### Kennedy's seat[edit]

General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Sharon L. Kennedy defeated John P. O'Donnell 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

John P. O'Donnell 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Sharon L. Kennedy 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

# 2018[edit]

See also: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2018

#### Terrence O'Donnell's Seat[edit]

General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Michael P. Donnelly defeated Craig Baldwin 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Michael P. Donnelly 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Craig Baldwin 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

#### Mary DeGenaro's Seat[edit]

General election

##### General election for Ohio Supreme Court

Melody Stewart defeated incumbent Mary DeGenaro 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

##### Nonpartisan primary for Ohio Supreme Court

Incumbent Mary DeGenaro and Melody Stewart 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

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

# 2016[edit]

Main article: Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2016

Three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court were on the general election ballot on November 8, 2016. A primary election was held on March 15, 2016.[3] The seats were held by Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, Justice Paul Pfeifer, and Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger heading into the election. Each justice elected to the court serves a six-year term. The court had a 6-1 Republican majority based on the state party nominations of justices prior to the nonpartisan general elections.

### General election candidates[edit]

See also: Ohio judicial elections, 2016
The following candidates advanced from the March 15 primary.

#### Justice O'Connor's seat[edit]

■ Maureen O'Connor (R)  (Incumbent/Unopposed)

#### Justice Lanzinger's seat[edit]

* Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger (R) reached the mandatory retirement age.[4]

■ John P. O'Donnell (D)[5]
■ Pat Fischer (R) [5]

#### Justice Pfeifer's seat[edit]

* Justice Paul Pfeifer (R) reached the mandatory retirement age.[4]

■ Cynthia Rice (D)[5]
■ Pat DeWine (R) [5]

### Election results[edit]

##### November 8 general election[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

See also: Ohio judicial elections, 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 1/2/15| Candidate| 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[edit]

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[edit]

In the November general election, Justice Maureen O'Connor ran against incumbent Chief Justice Eric Brown for the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Brown was appointed to the seat by Governor Ted Strickland in April 2010. O'Connor won the seat.

Incumbent Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger ran against Mary Jane Trapp, a judge on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals, for the term commencing on January 1, 2011 seat. Lanzinger won re-election.

Incumbent Justice Paul Pfeifer ran unopposed for the term commencing on January 2, 2011 seat.[6][7][8]

See also: Ohio judicial elections, 2010

### Results

### Contested candidates

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

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Maureen O'Connor A | Yes | Chief Justice| Republican| 663,818| 100.0%| 2,232,724 | 67.6%
Eric Brown | No | Chief Justice| Democratic| 521,010| 100.0%| 1,070,690 | 32.4%
Judith Ann Lanzinger A | Yes | Term commencing January 1, 2011| Republican| 623,598| 100.0%| 1,717,889 | 56.6%
Mary Jane Trapp | No | Term commencing January 1, 2011| Democratic| 509,509| 100.0%| 1,315,105 | 43.4%

### Uncontested candidates

Candidate | Incumbent

|

Paul Pfeifer A | Yes

### Candidates

### Maureen O'Connor

O'Connor received her B.A. in 1973 from Seton Hill College and her J.D. in 1980 from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.[9] After graduating from law school, O'Connor practiced law for four years. In 1985, she was appointed Magistrate to the Summit County Probate Court. She served in this capacity until joining the Summit County Court of Common Pleas in 1993. O'Connor was the prosecuting attorney for Summit County from 1995 to 1999. In 1998, she was elected Lieutenant Governor, a position she held until her election to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2002.[9]

### Eric Brown

Brown received a B.A. in history from Cleveland State University in 1975 and his J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 1979.[10] Brown served as the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court from May of 2010 until January of 2011. Previously, he was the judge for the Franklin County Probate Court in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the probate court in 2005.

### Judith Ann Lanzinger

Lanzinger received her undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo in 1968 and her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1977. After graduating from law school, Lanzinger practiced law, first with The Toledo Edison Company and then with a private firm, from 1978 to 1985. In that same year, she joined the Toledo Municipal Court. In 1988, Lanzinger was elected a judge on the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. She stayed on this court until her election to the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals in 2002. Lanzinger was then elected to the Supreme Court on November 2, 2004.[11]

### Mary Jane Trapp

Trapp received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1978 and her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 1981.[12] Trapp was a Presiding/Administrative Judge on the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals. Before becoming a judge, Trapp worked as a trial and appellate lawyer in various Ohio and Pennsylvania courts for 25 years. She also worked as a mediator and arbitrator for the common pleas courts and as a guardian ad litem for a domestic relations court. Trapp was elected to the Court of Appeals in 2006.[12]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Maureen O'Connor | $895,043[13]| Ohio Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $192,785
Insurance: $151,070
Health Professionals: $124,507

Eric Brown| $592,573[14]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio Education Association
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $323,116
General Trade Unions: $54,600
Public Sector Unions: $36,025

Judith Ann Lanzinger| $844,047[15]| Ohio Republican Party
Cooper Tire & Rubber
Ohio Farm Bureau
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $188,495
Insurance: $152,685
Health Professionals: $114,667

Mary Jane Trapp| $534,190[16]| Mary Jane Trapp
Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio AFL-CIO
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $193,798
Candidate self-finance: $170,369
Party Committees: $55,121

Paul Pfeifer| $32,662[17]| | Non-contributions: $32,662

# 2008[edit]

In the November 2008 general election, incumbent Justice Maureen O'Connor ran against Judge Joseph Russo, of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, for the term commencing on January 1, 2009 seat. O'Connor won re-election.

Incumbent Justice Evelyn Stratton ran against Judge Peter Sikora, of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, for the term beginning on January 2, 2009 seat. Stratton won re-election.[18][19]

### Results

### Contested candidates

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

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Maureen O'Connor A | Yes | Term commencing January 1, 2009| Republican| 782,423| 100%| 2,970,588 | 67.1%
Joseph Russo | No | Term commencing January 1, 2009| Democratic| 1,415,692| 100%| 1,453,784 | 32.9%
Evelyn Stratton A | Yes | Term commencing January 2, 2009| Republican| 716,835| 100%| 2,664,137 | 63.1%
Peter Sikora | No | Term commencing January 2, 2009| Democratic| 1,267,130| 100%| 1,554,521 | 36.9%

### Candidates

### Maureen O'Connor

O'Connor received her B.A. in 1973 from Seton Hill College and her J.D. in 1980 from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.[9] After graduating from law school, O'Connor practiced law for four years. In 1985, she was appointed Magistrate to the Summit County Probate Court. She served in this capacity until joining the Summit County Court of Common Pleas in 1993. O'Connor was the prosecuting attorney for Summit County from 1995 to 1999. In 1998 she was elected Lieutenant Governor, a position she held until her election to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2002.[9]

### Joseph Russo

Russo earned his B.A. in history and political science from Case Western Reserve University in 1985 and his J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1991. He became a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in 2001. Before he became a judge, Russo practiced law at his own firm, Law Office of Joseph D. Russo Co., L.P.A. and the law firm of Landskroner & Phillips.[20]

### Evelyn Stratton

Stratton received her A.A. from the University of Florida at Gainesville in 1974, her B.A. in history from the University of Akron in 1976 and her J.D. from The Ohio State University in 1979.[21][22] Before joining the Ohio Supreme Court in 1996, Stratton served as a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and worked as an attorney in private practice.[23]

### Peter Sikora

Sikora received his undergraduate degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and his J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He became a judge on the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court in 1989. Prior to his judicial appointment, Sikora served as the deputy legal counsel to former Governor Richard Celeste and as a deputy director and general counsel to the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.[24]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Maureen O'Connor | $1,008,109[25]| Ohio Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $246,681
Insurance: $154,396
Health Professionals: $145,652

Joseph Russo| $244,262[26]| Ohio Democratic Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $69,288
Public Sector Unions: $16,500
Party Committees: $15,372

Evelyn Stratton| $1,017,941[27]| Ohio Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $245,972
Insurance: $151,576
Party Committees: $106,280

Peter Sikora| $183,785[28]| Ohio Democratic Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $76,378
General Trade Unions: $24,470
Party Committees: $22,440

### Clean Campaign Agreement[edit]

All four candidates for the Supreme Court signed a Clean Campaign Agreement from the Judicial Election Campaign Advertising Monitoring Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association. The agreement was designed to focus on "credentials, judicial temperament and experience...that demonstrate the dignity and respects the office deserves."[29]

# 2006[edit]

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.[30][31]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Terrence O'Donnell

O'Donnell received his B.A. in political science from Kent State University in 1968 and his J.D. from Cleveland State University in 1971. Before joining the Ohio Supreme Court in 2003, O'Donnell served as a judge for both the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals from 1995 until 2003 and for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1982 through 1994. Prior to his judicial service, O'Donnell practiced law with the firm Marshman, Snyder & Corrigan and was a law clerk for both the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.[32]

### William O'Neill

O'Neill received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University, his J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and a nursing degree from the Huron School of Nursing. O'Neill became a judge for the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals in 1997. Before that, he served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Ohio from 1984 until 1996.[33]

### Robert Cupp

Cupp received his B.A. in political science from Ohio Northern University in 1973 and his J.D. from Ohio Northern's Pettit College of Law in 1976. Cupp became a judge on the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals in 2000. Before becoming a judge, Cupp served on the Ohio Senate from 1985 to 2000. He has also worked as both a city prosecutor and assistant director of law for Lima, Ohio and as a county commissioner for Allen County.[34][35]

### Ben Espy

Espy received his undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University and his J.D. from Howard University.[36] Before running for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court, Espy served as a Columbus City Council member and a member of the Ohio Senate.

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Terrence O'Donnell | $1,072,462[37]| Ohio Republican Party
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur
Carl H. and Martha S. Lindner, III
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $281,866
Insurance: $281,866
Party Committees: $281,866

William O'Neill| $40,235[38]| William O'Neill
Kent Marcus
| Candidate Self-finance: $37,500
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $450
Candidate Committees: $450

Robert Cupp| $999,420[39]| Ohio Republican Party
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur
Carl H. Lindner, Jr.
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $189,183
Insurance: $189,183
Health Professionals: $189,183

Ben Espy| $503,010[40]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio AFSCME
Ohio Federation of Teachers
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $133,020
Party Committees: $127,475
General Trade Unions: $60,750

# 2004[edit]

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.[41][42][43][44]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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 candidates

Candidate | Incumbent

|

Paul Pfeifer A | Yes

### Candidates

### Thomas Moyer

Moyer earned his B.A. in political science from the Ohio State University and his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1964.[45] Moyer was first elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in November 1986 and assumed office on January 1, 1987. He has also served as a judge for the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals from 1979 to 1986 and as an executive assistant to Governor James A. Rhodes from 1975 to 1979. Prior to his judicial service, Moyer worked as an attorney in private practice, most recently with the law firm of Crabbe, Brown, Jones, Potts & Schmidt from 1972 to 1975.[46]

### Ellen Connally

Connally received her B.S. in social studies teacher education from Bowling Green State University, her master's degree in American history from Cleveland State University, and her J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She was elected to the Cleveland Municipal Court in 1979, becoming the first African American female judge in Ohio without first being appointed.[47][48]

### Terrence O'Donnell

O'Donnell received his B.A. in political science from Kent State University in 1968 and his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1971. Before joining the Ohio Supreme Court in 2003, O'Donnell served as a judge for both the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals from 1995 until 2003 and for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1982 to 1994. Prior to his judicial service, O'Donnell practiced law with the firm Marshman, Snyder & Corrigan and was a law clerk for both the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.[49]

### William O'Neill

O'Neill received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University, his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and a nursing degree from the Huron School of Nursing. O'Neill became a judge for the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals in 1997. Before that, he served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Ohio from 1984 until 1996.[50]

### Judith Ann Lanzinger

Lanzinger received her undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo in 1968 and her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1977. After graduating from law school, Lanzinger practiced law, first with The Toledo Edison Company and then with a private firm, from 1978 to 1985. In that same year, she joined the Toledo Municipal Court. In 1988, Lanzinger was elected a judge on the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. She stayed on this court until her election to the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals in 2002. Lanzinger was then elected to the Ohio Supreme Court on November 2, 2004.[51]

### Nancy A. Fuerst

Fuerst received her B.A. in economics from Cleveland State University and her J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She became a judge on the general division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in 1997. Before that, Fuerst worked as an attorney in the general practice of law from 1989 to 1996 and as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court from 1988 to 1989.[52]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Thomas Moyer | $1,489,541[53]| Ohio Republican Party
Hamilton County Republican Party
Summit County Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $451,587
Insurance: $206,483
Health Professionals: $132,674

Ellen Connally| $209,081[54]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio State Auto Workers
Law Offices of Matthew W. Chapel
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $93,996
Party Committees: $57,546
Transportation Unions: $5,600

Terrence O'Donnell| $1,592,491[55]| Ohio Republican Party
Columbiana County Republican Party
Hamilton County Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $313,333
Insurance: $223,780
Party Committees: $178,311

William O'Neill| $73,790[56]| Ohio Democratic Party
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 392
Pipefitters Local 120
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $28,009
General Trade Unions: $18,460
Party Committees: $5,605

Judith Ann Lanzinger| $1,647,958[57]| Ohio Republican Party
Columbiana County Republican Party
Hamilton County Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $264,246
Insurance: $241,149
Party Committees: $237,921

Nancy A. Fuerst| $977,542[58]| George G. Burke, Jr.
Kelley & Ferraro
Nurenberg, Plevin, Heller & McCarthy
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $750,872
General Trade Unions: $31,025
Public Sector Unions: $23,775

Paul Pfeifer| $99,058[59]| Ohio Education Association
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $65,000
Public Sector Unions: $11,500
General Trade Unions: $1,000

# 2002[edit]

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.[60]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Maureen O'Connor

O'Connor received her B.A. in 1973 from Seton Hill College and her J.D. in 1980 from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. After graduating from law school, O'Connor practiced law for four years. In 1985, she was appointed Magistrate to the Summit County Probate Court. She served in this capacity until joining the Summit County Court of Common Pleas in 1993. O'Connor was the prosecuting attorney for Summit County from 1995 to 1999. In 1998 she was elected Lieutenant Governor for the State of Ohio.[61]

### Timothy S. Black

Black received his A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1975 and his law degree from Chase College of Law in 1983.[62] Black became a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court in 2000. Before that, he practiced law with the firm of Graydon, Head, and Ritchey in Cincinnati, Ohio.[63]

### Evelyn Stratton

Stratton received her A.A. from the University of Florida at Gainesville in 1974, her B.A. in history from the University of Akron in 1976, and her J.D. from the Ohio State University in 1979.[64][65] Before joining the Ohio Supreme Court in 1996, Stratton served as a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and worked as an attorney in private practice.[66]

### Janet R. Burnside

Burnside received her undergraduate degree in mathematics in 1967, her master's degree in computer science in 1970, and her J.D. in 1977, all from the Ohio State University. Before becoming a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in 1991, Burnside served as an acting judge for the Cleveland Municipal Court from 1985 to 1991, and worked as an attorney in private practice from 1978 to 1988.[67]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Maureen O'Connor | $1,798,902[68]| Ohio Republican Party
Hamilton County Republican Party
Ohio State Medical Association
| Health Professionals: $334,190
Insurance: $215,883
Party Committees: $209,641

Timothy S. Black| $1,349,986[69]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio AFL-CIO
Charles Kampinski
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $845,651
Party Committees: $204,980
General Trade Unions: $119,050

Evelyn Stratton| $1,899,313[70]| Ohio Republican Party
Hamilton County Republican Party
Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease
| Health Professionals: $358,528
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $326,922
Insurance: $231,768

Janet R. Burnside| $1,193,732[71]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio AFL-CIO
Cuyahoga County Democratic Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $826,041
Party Committees: $173,046
General Trade Unions: $71,900

# 2000[edit]

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.[72][73]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Deborah Cook

Cook received her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron in 1974 and her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law in 1978. Cook began her legal career in private practice from 1978 to 1991 before being elected to the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals, where she served as a judge from 1991 to 1995. Cook was then elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in 1995.[74]

### Timothy S. Black

Black received his A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1975 and his J.D. from Chase College of Law in 1983.[75] Black became a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court in 2000. Before that, he practiced law with the firm of Graydon, Head, and Ritchey in Cincinnati, Ohio.[76]

### Alice Resnick

Resnick received her undergraduate degree in history from Siena Heights University in 1961 and her J.D. from the University of Detroit College of Law in 1964.[77] Before her election to the Ohio Supreme Court in 1988, Resnick served as a judge for both the Toledo Municipal Court from 1975 to 1982 and for the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals from 1982 to 1988. Prior to her judicial service, Resnick began her law career as an assistant prosecutor.[78]

### Terrence O'Donnell

O'Donnell received his B.A. in political science from Kent State University in 1968 and his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1971. Before joining the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals in 1995, O'Donnell served as a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1982 to 1994. Prior to becoming a judge, O'Donnell practiced law with the firm Marshman, Snyder & Corrigan and was a law clerk for both the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.[79]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Deborah Cook | $647,083[80]| Summit County Republican Party
Ohio Republican Party
Motorists Mutual Insurance
| Insurance: $107,175
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $90,375
Party Committees: $90,375

Timothy S. Black| $693,658[81]| Committee to Re-elect Judge Black
Ohio Education Association
Waite, Schneider, Bayless & Chesley
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $463,465
General Trade Unions: $52,375
Public Sector Unions: $36,075

Alice Resnick| $788,533[82]| Ohio Education Association
Tzangas, Plakas, Mannos & Recu
Stephen J. Charmes Co., LPA
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $629,913
General Trade Unions: $65,900
Public Sector Unions: $34,500

Terrence O'Donnell| $1,117,044[83]| Ohio Republican Party
Thompson Hine & Flory
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $205,770
Insurance: $167,145
Miscellaneous Manufacturing & Distributing: $66,645

# 1998[edit]

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.[84][85]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Thomas Moyer

Moyer earned his B.A. in political science from the Ohio State University and his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1964.[86] Moyer was first elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in November 1986 and assumed office on January 1, 1987. He has also served as a judge for the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals from 1979 to 1986 and as an executive assistant to Governor James A. Rhodes from 1975 to 1979. Prior to his judicial service, Moyer worked as an attorney in private practice, most recently with the law firm of Crabbe, Brown, Jones, Potts & Schmidt from 1972 to 1975.[87]

### Gary Tyack

Tyack received his B.A. in religion and math from the College of Wooster in 1968, his J.D. from the Ohio State University College of Law in 1974, and his master's degree in theological studies from the Methodist Theological School in 2000. After graduating from law school, Tyack worked as an attorney in private practice. In 1986, he joined the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals, but returned to his private law practice the next year. In 1991, he again joined the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals and has held the title of presiding judge in 1997 and administrative judge in 1996.[88]

### Francis E. Sweeney

Sweeney received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University, served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1958, then earned his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Sweeney has served as a judge on both the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals from 1988 to 1992 and the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1970 to 1988. He became a judge on the Ohio Supreme Court in 1993. Before his judicial career, Sweeney worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and as an attorney in the legal department of the Allstate Insurance Company.[89]

### Stephen Powell

Powell earned his undergraduate degree from Heidelberg College in 1977 and his J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law 1981. Powell became a judge on the Ohio Twelfth District Court of Appeals in 1991. Before that he served as a referee in the Butler County Domestic, Juvenile and Probate Courts from 1984 to 1989, and as both a Butler County municipal court judge and a Butler County Court of Common Pleas probate judge.[90]

### Paul Pfeifer

Pfeifer earned his B.A. in economics, political science, and history from the Ohio State University in 1963 and his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1966. After graduating from law school, Pfeifer served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Ohio. He then practiced law with the firm of Cory, Brown and Pfeifer from 1972 to 1992 and served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Crawford County from 1973 to 1976. While Pfeifer was in private practice, he served in both the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio State Senate. In 1992, he was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court and assumed office on January 2, 1993.[91][92]

### Ronald Suster

Suster received his undergraduate degree from the Adelbert College of Case Western Reserve University in 1964 and his J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1967. Suster became a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in 1995. Before that, he was an elected state representative of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1981 to 1995. Suster has also served as a law director for the city of Highland Heights, as an assistant Ohio attorney general, and an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor.[93][94]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Thomas Moyer | $877,944[95]| Ohio Republican Party
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $242,549
Party Committees: $166,412
Insurance: $64,366

Gary Tyack| $389,718[96]| G. Gary Tyack
Ohio Democratic Party
A. William Zavarello
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $200,050
Candidate Self-finance: $107,950
General Trade Unions: $23,100

Francis E. Sweeney| $531,862[97]| | Lawyers and Lobbyists: $468,132
Public Sector Unions: $14,000
General Trade Unions: $13,550

Stephen Powell| $211,259[98]| Butler County Republican Party
Ohio Republican Executive Committee
Ohio Republican Party
| Party Committees: $57,083
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $43,335
Miscellaneous Manufacturing & Distributing: $16,475

Paul Pfeifer| $575,848[99]| Lawrence Firm
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $444,309
Real Estate: $22,400
Public Sector Unions: $10,250

Ronald Suster| $288,196[100]| | Lawyers and Lobbyists: $84,533
Insurance: $40,592
Candidate Committees: $12,534

# 1996[edit]

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.[101]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Andrew G. Douglas

Douglas received his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1959. He became a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court in 1985. Before that, Douglas was a judge on the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals from 1980 to 1984. He has also practiced law with his firm of Winchester & Douglas from 1960 to 1980 in Toledo, Ohio, and has served as a councilman for the Toledo City Council from 1961 to 1980.[102]

### Peter Sikora

Sikora received his undergraduate degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and his J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He became a judge on the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court in 1989. Prior to his judicial appointment, Sikora served as the deputy legal counsel to former Governor Richard Celeste and as a deputy director and general counsel to the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.[103]

### Marianna Brown Bettman

Bettman received her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1977. She became a judge on the Ohio First District Court of Appeals in 1993. Before she became a judge, Bettman worked as an attorney in private practice.[104]

### Evelyn Stratton

Stratton received her A.A. from the University of Florida at Gainesville in 1974, her B.A. in history from the University of Akron in 1976 and her J.D. from The Ohio State University in 1979.[105][106] Stratton became a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in 1989. Before she became a judge, Stratton worked as an attorney in private practice.[107]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Andrew G. Douglas | $442,580[108]| GUDPAC
Murray & Murray
Charles Kampinski Co. LPA
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $281,033
Public Sector Unions: $20,000
General Trade Unions: $16,200

Peter Sikora| $47,423[109]| Peter Sikora
Arter & Hadden
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue Ohio PAC
| Candidate Self-finance: $5,328
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $4,750
Party Committees: $1,805

Marianna Brown Bettman| $442,635[110]| Hamilton County Democratic Judicial Campaign
Stanley M. Chesley
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $140,838
General Trade Unions: $13,700
Party Committees: $11,605

Evelyn Stratton| $483,302[111]| Committee to Re-elect Judge Evelyn Stratton
Medlance PAC
| Lawyers and Lobbyists: $64,640
Candidate Self-finance: $22,999
Insurance: $12,266

# 1994[edit]

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.[112]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Deborah Cook

Cook received her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron in 1974 and her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law in 1978. She became a judge for the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals in 1991. Before that, Cook worked as an attorney in private practice from 1978 to 1991.[113]

### J. Ross Haffey

Haffey received his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He began practicing law in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1964 with a focus in criminal, business, family, and probate law.[114]

### Sara J. Harper

Harper received both her undergraduate degree and her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University.[115] She became a judge on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals in 1990. Harper was the first woman to serve on the judiciary of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was the president of the Cleveland NAACP in the early 1980s.[116]

### Alice R. Resnick

Resnick received her undergraduate degree from Siena Heights College in 1961 and her J.D. from the University of Detroit College of Law in 1964. She became a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court in 1989. Before that, she served as a judge on the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals from 1982 to 1989, and as a judge on the Toledo Municipal Court from 1975 to 1982. Before she became a judge, Resnick was an assistant prosecutor for Lucas County from 1964 to 1975.

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Deborah Cook | $548,943[117]| Ohio Republican Party
Fred Lennon
Deborah Cook
| Party Committees: $69,855
Livestock: $51,000
Candidate Self-finance: $36,000

J. Ross Haffey| $292,015[118]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
Fred Weisman
| Party Committees: $117,629
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $33,311
Public Sector Unions: $8,200

Sara J. Harper| $249,901[119]| Ohio Republican Party
Larry Rogers
PAC for Manufacturing Competitiveness
| Party Committees: $88,547
Health Professionals: $10,000
Insurance: $3,925

Alice R. Resnick| $742,422[120]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
Ohio Education Association
| Party Committees: $126,365
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $103,650
Public Sector Unions: $55,900

# 1992[edit]

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.[121]

### Results

### Contested candidates

| 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%

### Candidates

### Thomas Moyer

Moyer earned his B.A. in political science from the Ohio State University and his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1964.[122] Moyer was first elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in November 1986 and assumed office on January 1, 1987. He has also served as a judge for the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals from 1979 to 1986 and as an executive assistant to Governor James A. Rhodes from 1975 to 1979. Prior to his judicial service, Moyer worked as an attorney in private practice, most recently with the law firm of Crabbe, Brown, Jones, Potts & Schmidt from 1972 to 1975.[123]

### Robert H. Gorman

Gorman received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1960. Gorman became a judge on the Ohio First District Court of Appeals in 1988. He has also served as a judge for both the Hamilton County Municipal Court from 1972 to 1976 and the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas from 1976 to 1988. Before he became a judge, Gorman worked as an attorney, first with the Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati, and then with his own private practice. He was also previously elected to the Ohio House of Representatives for the 1964 to 1966 term.[124]

### J. Ross Haffey

Haffey received his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He began practicing law in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1964 with a focus in criminal, business, family, and probate law.[125]

### Francis E. Sweeney

Sweeney received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University, served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1958, then earned his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Sweeney became a judge on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals in 1988. He was also previously a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1970 to 1988. Before his judicial career, Sweeney worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and as an attorney in the legal department of the Allstate Insurance Company.[126]

### Mark Philip Painter

Painter received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1970 and his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1973. Painter became a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court in 1982. He has also practiced law with the firm of Thompson Hine, LLP.[127][128]

### Paul Pfeifer

Pfeifer earned his B.A. in economics, political science, and history from the Ohio State University in 1963 and his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1966. After graduating from law school, Pfeifer served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Ohio. He was then elected to the Ohio House of Representatives and served from 1971 to 1972. He then joined the firm of Cory, Brown and Pfeifer and practiced law there until 1992. At the same time, from 1973 to 1976, Pfeifer was an assistant prosecuting attorney for Crawford County. In 1976, Pfeifer was elected to the Ohio State Senate and was re-elected in 1980, 1984, and 1988.[129][130]

### John T. Patton

Patton received his J.D. from the Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1958. Patton became a judge on the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals in 1976 and served as chief judge in 1983 and 1990. He was also previously a judge for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1966 to 1976 and an assistant county prosecutor and chief trial assistant for Cuyahoga County.[131]

### Total Campaign Contributions

| Candidate | Total contributions| Top contributors| Top contributions by industry

|
|
|

Thomas Moyer | $996,531[132]| National Media Team
Thomas Moyer
Fred Lennon
| Candidate Self-finance: $50,000
Livestock: $37,000
Party Committees: $23,806

Robert H. Gorman| $694,921[133]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
Auto Workers Ohio State
| Party Committees: $117,534
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $105,367
Public Sector Unions: $59,300

J. Ross Haffey| $121,602[134]| J. Ross Haffey
Kennedy Tape & Label Co.
John Cook
| Candidate Self-finance: $56,761
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $120
Telecom Services & Equipment: $21

Francis E. Sweeney| $642,063[135]| Ohio Democratic Party
Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
Auto Workers Ohio State
| Party Committees: $159,022
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $71,871
Transportation Unions: $39,000

Mark P. Painter| $610,697[136]| Aronoff Committee
Mark Painter
Ohio Republican Party
| Candidate Committees: $100,450
Candidate Self-finance: $77,000
Party Committees: $34,700

Paul Pfeifer| $628,046[137]| Ohio Republican State Central & Executive Committee
Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
Ohio Republican Party
| Party Committees: $136,118
Lawyers and Lobbyists: $92,325
Telecom Services & Equipment: $16,759

John T. Patton| $829,899[138]| Ohio Democratic Party
John Patton
Auto Workers Ohio State
| Party Committees: $142,298
Candidate Self-finance: $72,986
General Trade Unions: $38,585

## See also[edit]

Ohio | Judicial Selection | More Courts

|
|

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

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## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 National Center for State Courts, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Ohio," accessed September 1, 2021
2. ↑ University of Cincinnati College of Law, "Judicial Selection in Ohio: History, Recent Developments, and an Analysis of Reform Proposals," September 2003
3. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, "2016 Ohio Elections Calendar," accessed January 15, 2016
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lexology, "Candidates file petitions for 2016 elections," December 17, 2015
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 The Courier, "Ballot set for March primary election," December 17, 2015
6. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Chief Justice of The Supreme Court, November 2, 2010
7. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice of The Supreme Court (Term Commencing 1/1/2011), November 2, 2010
8. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court (Term Commencing 1/2/2011), November 2, 2010
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Maureen O'Connor Bio
10. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Chief Justice Eric Brown (OH)
11. ↑ Judith Lanzinger on the League of Women Voters: 2004 election
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Official biography of Judge Trapp (dead link)
13. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Maureen O'Connor"
14. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Eric Brown"
15. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Judith Ann Lanzinger"
16. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Mary Jane Trapp"
17. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Paul E. Pfeifer"
18. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Supreme Court Of Ohio - Term Beginning January 1, 2009, November 4, 2008
19. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Supreme Court Of Ohio - Term Beginning January 2, 2009, November 4, 2008
20. ↑ Judge4Yourself.com: Joseph D. Russo, Biographical Statement (dead link)
21. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio, Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton
22. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton (OH)
23. ↑ Salem News.net, "Stratton makes area visit," April 14, 2008
24. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Judge Peter Sikora dead at 60, longtime Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court judge," April 12, 2012
25. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Maureen O'Connor"
26. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Joseph Russo"
27. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Evelyn Stratton"
28. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Peter Sikora"
29. ↑ Cleveland Law Library Weblog, "Ohio Supreme Court Candidates Sign "Clean Campaign Agreement," April 21, 2008
30. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Ohio Supreme Court Term Beginning January 1, 2007, November 7, 2006
31. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Ohio Supreme Court Term Beginning January 2, 2007, November 7, 2006
32. ↑ Ohio Supreme Court: Justice O'Donnell
33. ↑ Elect William O'Neill Supreme Court Justice, About
34. ↑ Robert R. Cupp Bio
35. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Justice Robert R. Cupp (OH)
36. ↑ Martindale.com, Profile: Ben Espy
37. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Terrence O'Donnell"
38. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, William O'Neill"
39. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Robert Cupp"
40. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Ben Espy"
41. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Chief Justice Of The Ohio Supreme Court, November 2, 2004
42. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court - Unexpired Term, November 2, 2004
43. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 1, 2005, November 2, 2004
44. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justice Of The Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 2, 2005, November 2, 2004
45. ↑ Thomas J. Moyer Biography
46. ↑ Chief Justice Moyer's Official Court Webpage
47. ↑ LinkedIn.com, Profile: Ellen Connally
48. ↑ Cleveland Municipal Court: A Rich Legacy of Path-Breaking Judges & Jurists
49. ↑ Ohio Supreme Court: Justice O'Donnell
50. ↑ Elect William O'Neill Supreme Court Justice, About
51. ↑ Judith Lanzinger on the League of Women Voters: 2004 election
52. ↑ Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: Judge Nancy A. Fuerst
53. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Thomas Moyer"
54. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, C. Ellen Connally"
55. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Terrence O'Donnell"
56. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, William O'Neill"
57. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Judith Lanzinger"
58. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Nancy A. Fuerst"
59. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Paul E. Pfeifer"
60. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Official Website: Election Results, Justices Of The Ohio Supreme Court, November 5, 2002
61. ↑ Maureen O'Connor Bio
62. ↑ Biography of Tim Black from the League of Women Voters of Ohio
63. ↑ Press Release "Brown, Voinovich Announce Recommendation For Federal Judge For U.S. Southern District," July 6, 2009
64. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio, Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton
65. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton (OH)
66. ↑ Salem News.net, "Stratton makes area visit," April 14, 2008
67. ↑ Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: Judge Janet R. Burnside
68. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Maureen O'Connor"
69. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Timothy Black"
70. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Evelyn L. Stratton"
71. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Janet Burnside"
72. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 1, 2001, November 7, 2000
73. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court - Term Beginning January 2, 2001, November 7, 2000
74. ↑ Federal Judicial Center: Judge Deborah L. Cook, Biography
75. ↑ Biography of Tim Black from the League of Women Voters of Ohio
76. ↑ Press Release "Brown, Voinovich Announce Recommendation For Federal Judge For U.S. Southern District," July 6, 2009
77. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System, Justice Alice Robie Resnick, last accessed June 17, 2013
78. ↑ The Toledo Blade, "Resnick quietly exits Ohio's top court," December 31, 2006
79. ↑ Ohio Supreme Court: Justice O'Donnell
80. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Deborah Cook"
81. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Tim Black"
82. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Alice Resnick"
83. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Terrence O'Donnell"
84. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Chief Justice of The Supreme Court, November 3, 1998
85. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Justices of The Supreme Court, November 3, 1998
86. ↑ Thomas J. Moyer Biography
87. ↑ Chief Justice Moyer's Official Court Webpage
88. ↑ Official biography of Judge Tyack
89. ↑ Supreme Court of Ohio, Biography: Francis Edward Sweeney Sr.
90. ↑ Official biography of Judge Powell
91. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Justice Paul E. Pfeifer (OH)
92. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio, Senior Associate Justice Paul E. Pfeifer
93. ↑ Smart Voter.org: Full Biography for Ronald Suster
94. ↑ Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: Judge Ronald Suster
95. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Thomas J. Moyer"
96. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Gary Tyack"
97. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Francis Sweeney"
98. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Stephen W. Powell"
99. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Paul E. Pfeifer"
100. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Ronald Suster"
101. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court, November 5, 1996
102. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio & the Ohio Judicial System, Biography: Andrew Grant Douglas
103. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Judge Peter Sikora dead at 60, longtime Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court judge," April 12, 2012
104. ↑ University of Cincinnati College of Law, Faculty: Marianna Brown Bettman, Professor of Clinical Law
105. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio, Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton
106. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton (OH)
107. ↑ Salem News.net, "Stratton makes area visit," April 14, 2008
108. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Andy Douglas"
109. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Peter M. Sikora"
110. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Marianna Bettman"
111. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Evelyn L. Stratton"
112. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: Ohio Supreme Court, November 8, 1994
113. ↑ Judge Deborah's Biography from the Federal Judicial Center.
114. ↑ Bernard & Haffey Co., L.P.A.: Attorney J. Ross Haffey Jr.
115. ↑ Martindale.com, Judge Profile: Sara J. Harper
116. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Judge Sara J. Harper, a retired Ohio Court of Appeals judge: Black History Month," February 27, 2013
117. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Deborah Cook"
118. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, J. Ross Haffey"
119. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Sara Harper"
120. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Alice Resnick"
121. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results: General Election, November 3, 1992
122. ↑ Thomas J. Moyer Biography
123. ↑ Chief Justice Moyer's Official Court Webpage
124. ↑ University of Cincinnati College of Law, "Robert H. Gorman Traces Path to Judicial Appointment," accessed July 4, 2013
125. ↑ Bernard & Haffey Co., L.P.A.: Attorney J. Ross Haffey Jr.
126. ↑ Supreme Court of Ohio, Biography: Francis Edward Sweeney Sr.
127. ↑ Biography of Judge Painter from the League of Women Voters
128. ↑ "Judge Mark Painter 's last day on Ohio bench after 27+ years," press release
129. ↑ Project Vote Smart, Justice Paul E. Pfeifer (OH)
130. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio, Senior Associate Justice Paul E. Pfeifer
131. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System, "Longtime Cuyahoga County Judge, John T. Patton, dies at 78," May 18, 2007
132. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Thomas J. Moyer"
133. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Robert Gorman"
134. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, J. Ross Haffey"
135. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Francis Sweeney"
136. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Mark Painter"
137. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, Paul E. Pfeifer"
138. ↑ Follow the Money.org, "Candidate Summary, John Patton"

Ohio courts

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Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio

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State resources:

Courts in Ohio • Ohio judicial elections • Judicial selection in Ohio