Dwane Mallory

Dwane Mallory

Candidate, Hamilton County Municipal Court District 1

Hamilton County Municipal Court District 1

Tenure

2008 - Present

Term ends

2026

Years in position

17

Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2019

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

St. Xavier High School

Associate

Cincinnati State Community and Technical College

Bachelor's

Mount Saint Joseph University

Law

Northern Kentucky University

Personal

Birthplace

Cincinnati, Ohio

Profession

Judge

Contact

Personal LinkedIn

Dwane Mallory is a judge for District 1 of the Hamilton County Municipal Court in Ohio. He assumed office in 2008. His current term ends on January 4, 2026.

Mallory is running for re-election for the District 1 judge of the Hamilton County Municipal Court in Ohio. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Mallory completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Dwane Mallory was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mallory earned a high school diploma from St. Xavier High School, an associate degree from the Cincinnati State Community and Technical College, a bachelor's degree from Mount Saint Joseph University, and a law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. Before his election to the court, Mallory worked as an attorney in private practice and at the Hamilton County Public Defender's Office.

Elections

2025

See also: Municipal elections in Hamilton County, Ohio (2025)

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Hamilton County Municipal Court District 1

Incumbent Dwane Mallory is running in the general election for Hamilton County Municipal Court District 1 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Dwane Mallory (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Endorsements

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2019

See also: Municipal elections in Hamilton County, Ohio (2019)

General election

General election for Hamilton County Municipal Court District 1

Incumbent Dwane Mallory won election in the general election for Hamilton County Municipal Court District 1 on November 5, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dwane Mallory (Nonpartisan)	100.0	7,456

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,456
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2013

Dwane Mallory ran for re-election to the Hamilton County Municipal Court. General: He won without opposition in the general election on November 5, 2013.

See also: Ohio judicial elections, 2013

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Dwane Mallory completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mallory's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dwane K. Mallory began his career as an Assistant State Auditor for the Auditor of State of Ohio, conducting financial and compliance audits across Butler, Clermont, and Hamilton Counties. He also led special audits investigating misuse of public funds, reinforcing his commitment to accountability. He later served as Capital Finance Accountant for the University of Cincinnati Hospital, managing multimillion-dollar renovation and construction projects, including the Hoxworth Blood Center and Critical Care Pavilion, as part of a $300 million capital plan. Mallory transitioned into legal service as a Law Clerk for the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, then as an Investigator for the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Municipal Investigation. From 2001 to 2005, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, handling misdemeanor cases and working with law enforcement. He then joined the City’s Civil Division as an Assistant Solicitor, providing legal counsel and representing the city in litigation. In 2007, Mallory served as trial counsel for the Law Office of the Public Defender, defending juveniles in Hamilton County Juvenile Court.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I bring decades of public service—spanning auditing, legal advocacy, and municipal law. My courtroom decisions will reflect deep experience, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.
• I believe the court should be a place of accountability, dignity, and opportunity. I will work to ensure that every person—regardless of background—is treated with respect and that justice is accessible, transparent, and community-centered.
• My record shows consistent dedication to ethical service, fiscal responsibility, and legal excellence. As judge, I will uphold the law with independence and integrity, always putting the public interest first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a candidate for Hamilton County Municipal Court, I am deeply passionate about public policies that strengthen justice, accountability, and community well-being.

I support fair access to justice for all, regardless of background, by expanding legal resources and improving court efficiency. I advocate for community-centered public safety that balances accountability with rehabilitation through diversion programs and mental health support. With a strong background in auditing and finance, I promote transparency and responsible stewardship in our courts to ensure integrity and public trust.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I always admired my father William L. Mallory Sr. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives for 28 years. He served as Majority Leader for the last 20 years of his time on office. He was the perfect role model and instilled in my siblings and me a sense of true public service.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, fairness, accountability, and a commitment to public service are essential. Elected officials must listen, lead with transparency, and make decisions that reflect the values and needs of the communities they serve.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A judge must uphold the law with fairness, impartiality, and integrity. Core responsibilities include ensuring due process, managing courtroom proceedings efficiently, treating all parties with respect, and making decisions that reflect justice, accountability, and public trust.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of principled service—where fairness, integrity, and compassion guided every decision I made. I hope to be remembered as a judge who treated every person with dignity, upheld the law with clarity and conviction.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that occurred was the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. I was six years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was with a program called Rent-A-Kid. It lasted for the summer.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Too many to name.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I have to live in the real world.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Nothing

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Yes—many people don’t realize that municipal court judges play a vital role in shaping how justice is experienced at the local level. Beyond presiding over misdemeanor cases and traffic violations, judges often oversee diversion programs, mental health dockets, and community outreach initiatives that can redirect lives and reduce recidivism. They also have the power to set the tone for courtroom culture—ensuring proceedings are respectful, efficient, and accessible to all. These responsibilities may not make headlines, but they have a lasting impact on public trust and community well-being.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My legal philosophy is rooted in fairness, integrity, and respect for every individual who enters the courtroom. I believe the law should be applied consistently and compassionately, with a clear understanding of both its letter and its spirit. I approach each case with impartiality, ensuring that all parties are heard and that justice is served without bias or favoritism. I also value judicial efficiency and transparency, recognizing that timely and respectful proceedings build public trust. Ultimately, I see the courtroom not just as a place of judgment, but as a space where dignity, accountability, and community intersect.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

Yes—one judge I deeply admire is Thurgood Marshall. His legacy as both a litigator and Supreme Court Justice reflects a profound commitment to justice, equality, and constitutional integrity. Before joining the bench, he argued and won landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education, which helped dismantle segregation in public schools. As a Justice, he consistently championed civil rights, due process, and the protection of individual liberties. His courage, intellect, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every person continue to inspire my own approach to the law and public service.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes, I believe empathy is essential for a judge. While the law must be applied impartially, empathy allows a judge to understand the human context behind each case. It fosters respectful courtroom interactions, helps ensure that all voices are heard, and supports fair, thoughtful decision-making. Empathy doesn’t compromise justice—it deepens it by recognizing the dignity and complexity of every person who stands before the bench.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

I have not yet been rated by a Bar Association for this election cycle. To the best of my knowledge the rating process is pending.

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I’m running for this seat on the Hamilton County Municipal Court because I believe in the power of local justice to transform lives and strengthen communities. This court is often the public’s first—and sometimes only—experience with the legal system. I want to ensure that experience is rooted in fairness, respect, and accountability. With decades of service in law, finance, and public advocacy, I bring a unique blend of experience and compassion. I’m committed to making the courtroom a place where every voice is heard and every decision reflects both legal integrity and human dignity.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?

Previous governmental experience is helpful but not a prerequisite to successfully serving as a judge.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

My primary concern is that too many individuals encounter the legal system without adequate support or understanding of their rights. In Ohio, like elsewhere, navigating court proceedings can be overwhelming—especially for those without legal representation or facing economic hardship. This can lead to unequal outcomes and erode public trust. I believe we must do more to ensure that justice is not only fair, but accessible: through expanded legal aid, clearer communication, and court processes that respect the dignity of every person.

What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?

The greatest opportunity for Ohio’s legal system is to modernize how justice is delivered—making it more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of everyday people. This includes expanding digital tools for court access, streamlining case management, and investing in diversion and rehabilitation programs that address root causes rather than just symptoms. By embracing innovation while staying grounded in fairness and transparency, we can build a system that truly serves the public and restores trust in the rule of law.

Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?

I will keep my options open.

Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?

Bar Association ratings can offer helpful insights into a judge’s professional reputation, legal knowledge, and courtroom demeanor—but they are just one piece of the puzzle. These evaluations often reflect peer perspectives, which can be valuable, but they may not fully capture a judge’s impact on the community, commitment to fairness, or ability to connect with everyday citizens. Ultimately, voters should consider ratings alongside a candidate’s experience, values, and record of service when making their decision.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Hamilton County Democratic Party

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

No

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Raising law abiding children,

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2019

Dwane Mallory did not complete Ballotpedia's 2019 Candidate Connection survey.

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Footnotes

Ohio courts

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Federal courts:

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

State courts:

Ohio Supreme Court • Ohio District Courts of Appeal • Ohio Courts of Common Pleas • Ohio County Courts • Ohio Municipal Courts • Ohio Court of Claims

State resources:

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