In Son Loving
In Son Loving is a judge-elect of the Cleveland Municipal Court in Ohio. Loving assumes office on January 1, 2026.
Loving ran for election for judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court in Ohio. Loving won in the general election on November 4, 2025.
Loving completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
In Son Loving earned a high school diploma from Beaumont School, a bachelor's degree from John Carroll University in 2005, and a law degree from the University of Akron School of Law in 2008. Loving's career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]
Loving has been affiliated with the Asian American Bar Association of Ohio, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the NAACP (Cleveland Branch), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Congress of Black Women (Greater Cleveland Chapter), the National Council of Negro Women (Cuyahoga County Section), and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Cleveland, Ohio (2025)
General election
General election for Cleveland Municipal Court
In Son Loving defeated Heather McCollough in the general election for Cleveland Municipal Court on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | In Son Loving (Nonpartisan)  | 61.6 | 24,149 |
| Heather McCollough (Nonpartisan) | 38.4 | 15,062 | ||
| Total votes: 39,211 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Loving received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Loving's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here.
- Mayor Justin Bibb (Nonpartisan)
- Cleveland Executive Committee, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party
- Amalgamated Transit Union local 268
- North Shore Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
- Pipefitters Local 120
- AFSCME Power in Action
- Cleveland American Middle East Organization
- Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council
- Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93
- Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association
- Cleveland.com Editorial Board
- Northeast Ohio Democratic Veterans Caucus
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 33
- Teamsters Ohio D.R.I.V.E.
- The Plain Dealer
- UAW Northeast Ohio Community Action Program Council
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
In Son Loving completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Loving's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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For nearly 16 years, I have represented clients in municipal, common pleas, appellate, and federal court across Ohio. My legal career includes both private practice and public service. I have worked as a plaintiff’s attorney, defense attorney, and judicial staff attorney. Currently, I serve as a senior assistant attorney general in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. This broad range of experience gives me a well-rounded perspective of the courtroom – I understand it from every angle.
More importantly, I know firsthand that judicial decisions carry immediate and lasting consequences for people’s lives. My approach to justice is rooted in fairness, experience, diligence, sound judgment, and a deep respect for the rule of law. I am committed to serving the Cleveland Municipal Court with integrity, fairness, and respect for every individual who comes before the bench.- I bring a calm, balanced, and thoughtful approach to the bench. Judicial temperament isn’t just about professionalism - it’s about treating everyone with respect, listening carefully, and managing a courtroom with patience and fairness. I understand that for many people, appearing in court may be one of the most stressful moments in their lives. In those moments, it’s especially important to have a judge who remains respectful, impartial, and focused on ensuring that justice is done. I strive to create a courtroom environment where everyone, regardless of their background or representation, can expect dignity and due process.
- I am passionate about mentorship and serving as a role model. I am active in several organizations that promote civic engagement and social justice initiatives. Through the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, I coach a high school mock trial team, and co-chair the 3Rs Program, which partners legal professionals with high school students to teach civic engagement. As a judicial candidate, I feel a strong responsibility to be visible in the community, especially for young people who may not yet see themselves in roles of leadership or public service. Through mentorship and community involvement, I hope to encourage the next generation to believe in their potential and in the possibility of a more inclusive legal system.
- Grounded in lived experience, I support a problem-solving approach to justice, one that connects individuals to the resources and support they need to foster accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term community well-being. The Cleveland Municipal Court’s specialized dockets provide this approach. I am committed to supporting and expanding these programs to better serve individuals and to promote pathways toward recovery, stability, and justice.
But I also believe compassion goes a step further. Compassion means not only understanding someone’s circumstances, but also using the resources available to help. That might mean identifying alternatives to fines, considering diversion or treatment options when appropriate, or simply making sure someone understands their rights and responsibilities. Judges don’t create policy, but within the bounds of the law, we can help people move forward - not just penalize them.
Organizations: The Plain Dealer & cleveland.com, Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, Association of Cleveland Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 93, North Shore AFL-CIO, AFSCME Power in Action, UAW NEO Community Action Program Council, Cleveland Building Trades & Construction Council, Teamsters Ohio D.R.I.V.E., Pipefitters Local 120, Amalgamated Transit Unit Local 268, C.A.M.E.O., and the Black Women’s Political Action Committee.
I’m also proud to mentor young people who, like my daughter, are building their paths forward. Growing up, I didn’t have legal role models, so being able to support others and help open doors has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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
