John Rutan

John Rutan (Republican Party) ran for election for Franklin County Prosecutor in Ohio. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Rutan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

John Rutan was born in Racine, Wisconsin. He received a bachelor's degree from Wright State University in 2002 and a J.D. from the University of La Verne in 2009. His career experience includes working as a lawyer. He previously worked for seven years as a legal assistant. As of his 2024 campaign, Rutan was licensed to practice law in Ohio State and Federal Court.^[1]^[2]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Franklin County Prosecutor

Shayla Favor defeated John Rutan in the general election for Franklin County Prosecutor on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Shayla Favor (D)	62.8	348,697
	John Rutan (R)	37.2	206,272

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 554,969
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Franklin County Prosecutor

Shayla Favor defeated Anthony Pierson and Natalia Harris in the Democratic primary for Franklin County Prosecutor on March 19, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Shayla Favor	40.9	27,393
	Submit photo	Anthony Pierson	35.1	23,552
	Submit photo	Natalia Harris	24.0	16,095

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 67,040
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Franklin County Prosecutor

John Rutan advanced from the Republican primary for Franklin County Prosecutor on March 19, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		John Rutan	100.0	37,246

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 37,246
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rutan in this election.

2020

General election

General election for Ohio House of Representatives District 17

Incumbent Adam Miller defeated Tim Haske in the general election for Ohio House of Representatives District 17 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adam Miller (D)	56.6	21,664
	Submit photo	Tim Haske (R)	43.4	16,588

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 38,252
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 17

Incumbent Adam Miller advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 17 on April 28, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adam Miller	100.0	4,559

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,559
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 17

Tim Haske defeated John Rutan in the Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 17 on April 28, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Tim Haske	60.2	1,258
		John Rutan	39.8	831

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,089
= 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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Campaign finance

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

John Rutan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rutan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Head, Heart and Hand helps you determine who’s the right man. My name is John Rutan, and I am running for Franklin County Prosecutor to do the right thing. To protect the public, to punish those who deserve it and to make the community a better and safer place. In every case, more than one family is affected. The past 12 years working as a justice defense attorney I have gained invaluable life experience into why good people do bad things, why certain crimes are committed and how to change people for the better. I fought to get people what was fair when time was appropriate, learned of several avenues to use to help rehabilitate clients and have saved several people falsely accused. My goal now is instead of fighting to only help a few, to become the Franklin County Prosecutor to help the many. I will do this with compassion and measurable justice. I am not just running on slogans but ideas. I have a list of prosecutor pledges can be found on my website at www.rutan4prosecutor.com Thank you for your time and consideration.

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?

Bring Crime Down: One might ask, how does a prosecutor bring crime down, I thought they just prosecute. County prosecutor can help bring crime down with policies, programs, compassion and accountability. I would accomplish this by making sure those repeat offenders do not get another chance to reoffend. By sending a message to the community that certain crimes will not be tolerated. People need to know ones home is the most sacred place one can have. You cross that threshold, you will lose your housing for years to come. People need to know if you bring a gun to the street in ill will, you will be taken off the street. That children are our future and we will protect them accordingly. No second chances for child crimes.
Advice and Counsel to Police: I understand some cases can be dismissed due to constitutional violations. I think it would be important to have County Prosecutor officers feel comfortable getting advice from them to do better. I am a student of law and know people’s constitutional rights inside and out. I will help strengthen the police force with being educated. This will also help instill public trust with the citizens being treated fairer and more effective prosecution of cases.
Present and Available. I will not only be present but prosecuting. I will lead by example. I will engage with the lawyers, police, the public, victims and other defense attorneys. My skill set and experience will add a unique perspective to assisting prosecuting attorneys in preparation of trials and trials themselves. I will host biweekly attorney meetings to discuss law updates and ongoing cases. My attitude, knowledge and desire will help build office moral and provide a better work environment with more effective prosecution of cases.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I live by the edict, love your neighbor, like you love yourself. I am passionate about any policy that helps the greater good. By becoming the next County Prosecutor I can help people get whats fair while also instilling confidence in the public measurable justice will be handed down. I believe high bail is only appropriate in certain cases and the abuse of it now, not only financially cripples the accused, it also prevents them from getting representation. I am passionate about paying your debt to society and all probation should be coupled with community service. I am also passionate about the police. Without them, the freedom we some times take for granted would not exist. I will have an open line of communication with them to provide advice, counsel and encouragement. I am passionate about an efficient judiciary system. The prosecutors under my leadership will be more effective and efficient. This can be done by having polices on plea offers, helping with trials, and assignment of cases. Now, prosecutors have to be on three floors at the same time. I will have them assigned to one floor so its easier on them, the Court and defense counsels. My favorite part of the job will be to work with the probation department and diversion programs to help people get better including faith. My greatest passion is seeing the ripple effect people turning there lives around. When the family fails them, and the schools fails them, the justice system is the last resort. Vote Rutan Resort.

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

I look up to anyone person that thinks of others and helps people regardless how big or small. From the person giving me my coffee at Tim Hortons with a smile, to the Judge giving fair justice. From the person picking up trash at the event, to the person entertaining. Anyone that provides love, joy and help to the world. "Kindness is a reminder of peoples true nature, be kind and love". Anyone that exemplifies that I admire.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Anything on the Gaia Channel on Amazon Prime. Anything on energy, vibrations, manifestation, chakras, clairvoyance.

I would also recommend a faith based book. Believing in something greater than you is important. One of my favorite sayings is "Don't worry about dying, you will live through it".

As far as documentaries, I would go on Youtube and google "Truths and Myths of 911 by David Griffith" AND Go on Amazon Prime, Gaia Channel, Show "Open Minds Season 1 Episode 10 Dr Judy Wood on 911" and finally on Youtube What On Earth Happened 8 hour Documentary".

One of the reasons I will be an exemplary county prosecutor is because I value evidence more than words. Evidence creates theories, theories do not create evidence.

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

Empathy, faith and desire to help the greater good. You have to be able to make decisions for the greater good, not your own good. It is also important to know, you are only as good as the people you are around. I think faith is important because if you believe in life after death as I do, you act differently. When you realize everyone has a soul you have a different perspective which is important. You need people with more love than hate. You need people with more ideas then slogans. You need people that are Americans first, party second.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Whenever you seek a position of trust, there are 3 things all votes should consider. A candidate’s Head, Heart and Hand. In my HEAD, (intellect) I have spent the past 12 years working as a justice defense attorney and have gained invaluable life experience in why good people do bad things, why certain crimes are committed and how to change people for the better. In my HEART (faith and love), I fought to get people what was fair when time was appropriate, learned of several avenues to use to help rehabilitate clients and have saved several people falsely accused. In my HAND (action) my goal now is instead of fighting to only help a few, to become the Franklin County Prosecutor to help the many. I intend to do this by implementing the list of prosecutor pledges if elected. Those pledges can be found on my website at rutan4prosecutor.com

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

For the position I seek, some of the core responsibilities include upholding justice. Making sure the guilty people are accountable for their conduct. All lawyers will be skilled advocates and trial attorneys. No person will be thrown into a trial for experience. Trials will be treated with the utmost seriousness with me taking lead on the big cases.

Another responsibility is running an office of 100 different personalities. I will do this with respect, compassion and understanding. I will be sure to give all lawyers independence and support. The only limitations I will set on prosecutors is no child crimes or murders can be reduced absent legal justifications which none apply towards children. I will be more of a team player than some coach on the sideline. I will be involved in trials; have an open-door policy and they will have my cell phone number. I will host quarterly events to build relationships and office morale. I will also host biweekly meetings for lawyers to discuss their cases, issues, strategies and updates in the laws. The prosecutors in the office will be assigned to areas they prefer if possible to help increase work productivity.

Another responsibility is to provide legal advice and counsel to all county elected officials and county departments. Providing advice is the easiest part of my job. Always tell the truth and do not be afraid to ask someone smarter about a question if I do not know the answer. One of the great privileges of being a County Prosecutor is being surrounded by experienced, self-educated bright minded colleagues.

Handling Juveniles Differently: I love working in Juvenile Court because of the focus on rehabilitation. But Rehabilitation is not the same as Repeat. People deserve second chances, but not third and fourth. Programs would be designed not only help the juvenile but the family. Faith and family will fix a lot of issues.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A legacy I would like to leave is a template for America. I would like to have legacy where I won the election based on morals and ideas, not party affiliation and money raised. That with the public trust they would see results within 2 years. Not just for those who have experiences, but the community as a whole. I would like to create a template to be used not only in this county, but throughout Ohio and the United States.

I don't want my legacy to stop in Franklin county. My goal is to get elected to at least 3 consecutive terms with each one having a greater margin then the last. This would mean a lot to me because it would show voters care and are informed instead of voting blindly. I would then move to the Attorney General Office of Ohio, then Attorney General of the United States to go after the people really destroying our country. I want to prove normal people can win with effort and experience, not money and slogans.

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

The fake Iraq war. I remember thinking, where are those weapons of mass destruction. Shaped my way of thinking when I realized our own government lies to us to go to war.

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

My first job when I moved to Westerville Ohio from New Hampshire at the age of 16 was a delivery driver for KFC. Yes, KFC used to deliver food to your home. Back in those days, gas was a dollar and I had to use a map. Helped me get familiar with the area real quick. I worked there until I went to college 2 years later.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bible. Because whether it is true or not, its the most produced book. Whether Jesus is true or not, you have to give him credit, he is still talked about. Regardless if you believe it or not, it teaches love and compassion. Plus I believe emotions are our 6th sense. When I read it, or go to church I get chills on my spine. God is real, and god is great.

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

NASA so I could do the right thing and tell the public the truth. h

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"For those that can't speak" Tenth Avenue North and
"Nobody" by casting crows.

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

Success is not the destination, but the journey. My main struggle in life is having all these ideas, ambitions and solution and not being able to do anything with it. I live by what Jesus said "Always tell the truth, and don't do what you hate". I hate asking people for money so its hard to get my name out there. I will never understand why people ask for money when applying for a job. This is a job, I ask for your vote, not your hard earned money.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did people vote for my opponent? Because they never made it to this joke.

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.

2020

John Rutan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rutan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

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

Mel Gibson from the movie What Women Want. Would be nice to hear what people are actually thinking.

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.

Note: Rutan submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on March 26, 2020.

March 12 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am 40 years old, have a wonderful boy who is almost 2 years old, four sisters, great parents and a big family in Franklin County. I have been running my own firm in Columbus Ohio the past 10 years gaining empathy, ideas and motivation to make a difference. I have two goals. To always tell the truth so I don't have to remember what I said, and do what is best for the greater good.

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 am an educated problem solver, not the King. I will identify problems, gain the best solutions and implement them.
I have the right moral compass to work for the people. Rutan Has A Plan. www.rutanforrepublican.com
Learn, adapt and work for the people. We have an issue with lights in our district. I would pass a law that requires the State to provide lighting in densely populated neighborhoods (ones whose homes are within 100 feet of another)

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am interested in monitoring and fixing the pension plans which affect millions of public servants in Ohio. I would like to reform the criminal justice system to require inmates to work, lessen sentences for none-violent offenders. I would also like to modify the health system to require all medical providers to accept all insurance. If you work in Ohio, you accept any insurance. I would also work on getting prescription drugs down and costs of surgeries. I would like a Major Health insurance coverage that covers surgeries, diagnosis, treatments for diseases and hospital stays. Other things like physicals, checkups will be set by the market. I want to pass a law that gives fathers a quicker avenue to get visitation with their child. In Ohio, if you are not married, you have no rights. I would pass a law that if you have established to be the father (DNA, Birth Certificate), you have been in the child life and support the child financially, you can file a motion with a county court to get a hearing within 10 days, opposed to 3 or 4 months. I would like to get flat rates for people for the bare necessities, eradicate homelessness and hunger. I would set up programs where we take vacant housing and provide incentives for others to occupy, clean up and pay rent. I would provide incentives for groceries and restaurants to donate their food instead of throwing it away. When it comes to daycare, we need to find a way to get costs down or at least provide a write offs.

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

I look up to my parents. There is no one I trust more and is there to support and encourages my quests. They raised me to be a giver not a taker. The never allowed me to give up, valued love, education, communication, honesty and dreams.

There is no example per se I would like to follow. I would like to set my own example by learning and adapting from all. I do not understand what is so hard about doing the right thing. This is my first time running and I care more about a Difference than a Dollar.

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

Public service is not about the person holding office, it is about accomplishing the needs and desires of Ohioans. To do this I believe in representing what is best for the people over my own desires. I am an American First and Republican Second.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, ability to work with others, spot issues and come up with solutions.

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

Do what is best for the greater good and focus on what the people desire.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Have every American citizen to have the bare necessities throughout life. Home, food, shelter, cable, internet, phone, education and a purpose.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I do not have one.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Nobody by Counting Crows.

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

Becoming and attorney. I did not have the best grades and could not score well on the LSAT. I was rejected by over 30 school and when I finally got into a school, I was in the top 5%, and passed the Florida and Ohio bar the first time. I have also been running my own firm the past 10 years. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer to help people and later run for office so I never gave up. I just had to try harder and longer. It took me 4 years after college to get in Law School. During that time I graduated paralegal school after college and worked as paralegal for 3 years in Fort Lauderdale Florida which helped mold me into the lawyer I am today.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience is always beneficial so the question does not make sense. I do not believe experience means you are better. For example, I have experience being a lawyer the past 10 years. By doing that, I have learned how to read, write and interpret laws. I have identified several areas of concern I can fix for the greater good. From issue with our criminal system, to fathers rights, to insurance coverages, to employee rights and medical malpractice claims. Over the past 10 years I have worked on my ability to identify problems, apply solutions and get results. I have learned to put my ego aside, ask questions and listen to smarter people.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

End hunger and homelessness in Ohio. Preserve and protect the Pension Plans for Public Servants. Revamp our school system to include vocation, technical and internships in High School. Revamp our tax system to make money off public necessities, provide a consumption tax, a flat rate tax on personal of 10% and reduce property tax. Create jobs by bringing in big companies with subsidies, developed land and a workforce.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I think it is important to build a relationship built on the greater good. My goal is to stay away from polarizing issues (immigration, abortion and guns) and bring people together to focus on things we can all agree on. I do think it is important to be civil and professional, but you also have to hold people accountable. I will be friends with anyone that has good intentions.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I am not a current legislator. If I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity, I would like to be on all the committees if possible. I think I can help identify problems and solutions where issues arise.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would love the opportunity to be the speaker of the house and set the agenda for passing laws.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No one in particular. But I did like Ron Paul. He seemed to be the only politician that would answer a question.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Yes. My goal is to work in the State House for 4 years. I would like to go to U.S. Congress for 4 years and finally the White House.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have a bunch. In particular I spoke with a lady receiving a pension from being a public servant. Her and her husband receive about $4,200 a month. But that does not include what they are taxed on coupled with there health insurance which is $2,000 a month. How in the world can health insurance be $2,000 a month. That is a crime.

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.

Note: Rutan submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on March 12, 2020.

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Candidate

Franklin County Prosecutor

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 12, 2020
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 8, 2023.

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 12, 2020

[2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 8, 2023.

[1]

[2]

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John Rutan

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Franklin County Prosecutor

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Franklin County Prosecutor

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Franklin County Prosecutor

Endorsements

2020

General election

General election for Ohio House of Representatives District 17

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 17

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 17

Campaign finance

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

2020

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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Public Policy

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