Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2024

2024 State Judicial Elections
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Six candidates ran for three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court in the partisan general election on November 5, 2024. Republicans won in all three races, defeating two incumbent Democrats.

Dan Hawkins (R) defeated Lisa Forbes (D) in the race for the open seat on the court. Megan Shanahan (R) defeated Michael Donnelly (D) in the race for Donnelly's seat. Joseph Deters (R) defeated Melody Stewart (D) in the race for Stewart's seat.

The three wins meant that Republicans maintained their majority on the court.

The Ohio Capital Journal wrote that the outcome of the race would “have major impacts on a wide variety of issues that affect the lives of Ohioans," including the state’s universal school voucher program, energy decisions like ratemaking and where oil and gas drilling can take place, challenges to the state’s 2023 abortion amendment, and redistricting.

Before the election, the court had a 4-3 Republican majority. If all three Democrats had won the races, Democrats would have held a 4-3 majority. For Republicans to maintain their majority, at least one Republican needed to win a race. In 2024, Republicans had held a majority on the court since 1986.

Three of the seven justices on the court ran for re-election in two seats, leaving the third seat open. In one contest, two incumbent justices ran against each other for a seat that carried with it a full, six-year term on the court. Justice Joseph Deters (R), whom Gov. Mike DeWine (R) appointed to the court in January 2023, decided to run for a full term against incumbent Justice Melody Stewart (D). Deters replaced Justice Sharon L. Kennedy (R), who won election to the chief justice seat in the 2022 general election.

In the race for Deters’ open seat, Lisa Forbes (D) ran against Dan Hawkins (R). In the race for Justice Michael Donnelly's (D) seat, the incumbent ran against Megan Shanahan (R).

In 2022, all three Republican candidates won their elections by at least 10 percentage points.

This was just the second election cycle in which judicial candidates appeared on the ballot under partisan labels. In 2021, the state passed a law that judges must be listed alongside a political party affiliation on the general election ballot. Before that, judges were selected through partisan primaries and nonpartisan general elections.

Thirty-three states held state supreme court elections in 2024. In total, 82 of the 344 seats on state supreme courts were up for election. Of these seats, 61 were held by nonpartisan justices, 15 were held by Republican justices, and six were held by Democratic justices. Click here to learn more.

Candidates and election results

Donnelly's seat: term commencing January 1, 2025

General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Megan E. Shanahan (R)	55.6	3,025,884
		Michael P. Donnelly (D)	44.4	2,415,507

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,441,391
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael P. Donnelly	100.0	462,982

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 462,982
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Megan E. Shanahan	100.0	836,768

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 836,768
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Stewart's seat: term commencing January 2, 2025

General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joseph Deters (R)	55.1	2,997,144
		Melody Stewart (D)	44.9	2,443,066

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,440,210
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Melody Stewart	100.0	459,539

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 459,539
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joseph Deters	100.0	835,968

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 835,968
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Deters' seat: unexpired term ending December 31, 2026

General election

Special general election for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dan Hawkins (R)	55.0	2,998,592
		Lisa Forbes (D)	45.0	2,456,462

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,455,054
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lisa Forbes	63.8	310,635
		Terri Jamison	36.2	175,965

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 486,600
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dan Hawkins	100.0	810,411

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 810,411
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Ohio

Election information in Ohio: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 7, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 7, 2024
• Online: Oct. 7, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

Yes

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 29, 2024
• By mail: Received by Oct. 29, 2024
• Online: Oct. 29, 2024

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Nov. 4, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 8, 2024 to Nov. 3, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (EST)

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Lisa Forbes

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am running to be a Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court. I am currently a judge on the 8th District Court of Appeals. I was elected in 2020. Prior to that, I was a litigator (courtroom lawyer) and a partner at the Cleveland office of a national law firm where I helped her clients resolve disputes ranging from complex business litigation to consumer class actions, to legal malpractice to trust and estate disputes. My husband and I have been happily married for 32 years and raised our three children in the Shaker Heights City School District. As the first generation to go to college in my family, I’m grateful for the hard work and love of my parents."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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I will faithfully apply the law to protect the rights of all Ohioans. I will not engage in result-oriented decision-making. The high court can and should lead by example by acting with integrity, issuing opinions that explain the rationale behind any decision, and clearly articulating the points of law and facts that drive each decision. Consistency and clarity are critical, and I will be committed to both.

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I will be committed to protecting our democracy and the rule of law. I will not support unconstitutional attempts to reduce the rights of Ohioans. I will also be committed to and focused on the safety needs of our communities and citizens. Too many of our state’s citizens are in crisis because they fear for their safety.

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I will be committed to improving the public perception of the judiciary. The Supreme Court can provide leadership in shoring up respect for the courts by each member taking care to conduct themselves in a way that is beyond reproach. I will avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I believe Ohioans’ respect for the high court should be more important than any individual’s personal gain or position while serving on the court.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.

Dan Hawkins

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas (Assumed office: 2019)

Biography:  Hawkins earned a B.S. in criminal justice from Bowling Green State University and a J.D. from Ohio State University. His professional experience included working in the Franklin County prosecutor's office and then as a judge in the Franklin County Municipal Court before becoming a judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Hawkins stated that he wanted to uphold Ohio law as written and not “legislate from the bench.” He said he was “committed to ensuring that our Constitution endures and the rule of law is applied equally to all.”

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Show sources

Sources: Cleveland.com, "3rd Republican judge announces campaign for Ohio Supreme Court," May 15, 2023; Dan Hawkins 2024 campaign website, "Meet Judge Hawkins," accessed October 2, 2024

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Joseph Deters

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

Ohio Supreme Court (Assumed office: 2023)

Hamilton County Prosecutor (1992-1999, 2005-2023)

Biography:  Deters graduated from St. Xavier High School, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He served as the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney and was clerk of courts for Hamilton County.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Deters said he believed that a justice’s “chief responsibility is to respect and honor the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government” and that the state supreme court should “interpret our constitution while showing judicial restraint from influencing legislation.”

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Show sources

Sources: Joseph Deters 2024 campaign website, "Home," accessed October 2, 2024; Joseph Deters 2024 campaign website, "About Joe," accessed October 2, 2024

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.

Melody Stewart

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a native Ohioan born to, and raised by, a single mother who grew up in the segregated south and was afforded education only up to the 8th grade. But she instilled in me a love of learning, the love of the arts, and the desire to always leave a place better off than it was when I got there. I try to accomplish this in every aspect of my life. I have a Bachelor of Music degree (with the name Melody, what else would I study in college?) and am a classically trained pianist. After finishing law school, I practiced law as a civil defense litigator then became a law school administrator and professor before being elected to the Ohio Court of Appeals in 2006. I also earned a social science Ph.D. I am the incumbent justice seeking for re-election to the Ohio Supreme Court. Prior to being elected to the Supreme Court in 2018, I served on the Court of Appeals for 12 years. This combined service makes me the most experienced appellate jurist on the Ohio Supreme Court in addition to being the most educated. I am a good public servant who has worked hard to make our judicial system more efficient, more effective, and more accountable to the people it serves. In recognition of this work, I have been honored by many civic, legal, community, and professional organizations. When I ran for the Supreme Court in 2018, I was the highest rated candidate of all the candidates running that year. I have been endorsed by many civic, labor, educational, and public safety entities."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Ohio voters must stop the politicization of the judiciary. I was elected to the Supreme Court by over 1.8 million voters in contrast to my opponent who was appointed to another seat on the court by his friend the governor but who has decided to run against me for political reasons rather than run to keep the seat he was given. My opponent is the only member of the Ohio Supreme Court with zero prior judicial experience.

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Quality and Experience Matter! I am a jurist who has only run for judicial offices. My background experiences, education and training make me a quality public servant. In stark contrast, my opponent is a life long politician who has run for, and been elected to, multiple different offices but has never run for seat in the judiciary. This is because he lacks the background to be a quality candidate and is a viable judicial candidate now only because of the personal/political appointment and the fact that the Ohio general assembly changed the law a few years ago to have some judicial candidates run with party labels under their names. This was done to give my opponent and others in his party an advantage in judicial races.

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Don't be fooled by fearmongering and name calling. Require more from your candidates running for election or re-election to a public office. Do your own research and make your own inquires. judicialvotescount.org is a good nonpartisan, non endorsing resource to evaluate the credentials of all the candidates running for judicial seats throughout the state.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Michael P. Donnelly

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

Ohio Supreme Court (Assumed office: 2019)

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas (2005-2018)

Biography:  Donnelly received his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. His career experience included working as an assistant prosecutor and private practice attorney before his election to the common pleas bench.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Donnelly said he was running for re-election “to ensure that my strong, independent voice continues to be heard on a Court that has become increasingly politicized.”

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Show sources

Sources: Ohio Capital Journal, "Meet the candidates running for Ohio Supreme Court," September 5, 2024; Michael Donnelly 2024 campaign website, "Home," accessed October 2, 2024

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.

Megan E. Shanahan

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas General Division (Assumed office: 2015)

Hamilton County Municipal Court (2011-2015)

Biography:  Shanahan received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Her professional experience included serving as a prosecutor before her appointment to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Shanahan mentioned her membership with the Federalist Society in her campaigning, stating that she understood “the proper role of the judiciary – interpreting the law, not legislating from the bench.”

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Show sources

Sources: Megan Shanahan 2024 campaign website, "Home," accessed October 2, 2024; Megan Shanahan 2024 campaign website, "Biography," accessed October 2, 2024

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.

Ballotpedia's candidate connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

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?

Lisa Forbes (D)

I will faithfully apply the law to protect the rights of all Ohioans. I will not engage in result-oriented decision-making. The high court can and should lead by example by acting with integrity, issuing opinions that explain the rationale behind any decision, and clearly articulating the points of law and facts that drive each decision. Consistency and clarity are critical, and I will be committed to both.

I will be committed to protecting our democracy and the rule of law. I will not support unconstitutional attempts to reduce the rights of Ohioans. I will also be committed to and focused on the safety needs of our communities and citizens. Too many of our state’s citizens are in crisis because they fear for their safety.

I will be committed to improving the public perception of the judiciary. The Supreme Court can provide leadership in shoring up respect for the courts by each member taking care to conduct themselves in a way that is beyond reproach. I will avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I believe Ohioans’ respect for the high court should be more important than any individual’s personal gain or position while serving on the court.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Lisa Forbes (D)

I am personally passionate about many areas of public policy, including but not limited to voting rights, increasing access to high quality physical and mental health care, and equal access to justice for all. I am particularly passionate about the need to increase public confidence in the justice system and to decrease the politicization of the judiciary.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

I look to many different people over time for guidance and assistance. On person whose fortitude, grace and ability to inspire has always moved me is Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

If elected, I will be an independent and fair jurist who is committed to working to make the Ohio Supreme Court a firewall to protect our democracy, the rule of law and the rights of Ohioans. I take that role seriously and want voters to know how important the Supreme Court race is this November. I will stand by my principles and stick to my guns. I am willing to do my homework and hard work. I am beholden to the law, and I will follow it wherever it takes me.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

I have experience and expertise in the law. I was a courtroom lawyer for 27 years before becoming a judge. I handled complex and complicated matters in trial courts and courts of appeals all over the state. I was a partner in a national law firm for 17 years.

I have demonstrated my commitment to my community. For example, I have served as a volunteer board member for over 15 years on the board of social services agency providing physical and mental healthcare, HeadStart, and work force development services, as well as residences and wrap-around services to some 15,000 Cuyahoga County residents every year.

I have a fierce work ethic. As the granddaughter of immigrants who were coal miners and a first generation college graduate, I appreciate that I am a living example of the opportunity my grandparents came to America looking for and I want to do my part to make sure that such opportunity is available for generations to come.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

The core responsibilities of someone elected to the Ohio Supreme Court are to ensure equal justice is meted out under law, and to interpret and apply the U.S. and Ohio constitutions and statutes.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Lisa Forbes (D)

I would like to be known as jurist who was fair and independent, who issued well-reasoned and just opinions, and who did her part to restore public confidence in the justice system.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

The first historical event I recall happening in my lifetime is the Vietnam War.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

My very first job when I was 16 years old was working at a Burger King. My first full-time position as an attorney was as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Battisti in the Northern District of Ohio.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Lisa Forbes (D)

My favorite book changes over time. A book I thoroughly enjoyed and found fascinating and thought provoking was “Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula K. LeGuin.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

I have struggled with balancing my dedication to my profession with my personal life.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

Lisa Forbes (D)

I approach every case with an open mind, with no expectation for any particular outcome. After I review the parties’ briefs and participate in oral argument, after I have considered the evidence presented to the trial court (if applicable), and after I have researched and analyzed the law, only then do I make my decision on how to address and resolve each assignment of error. When a statute is unambiguous, I apply it as written; when ambiguous, I interpret it using plain language as my starting point.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

I admire Justice Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. I also admire Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, particularly for her gift for turning a phrase and for her ability to respect and befriend her colleagues with whom she did not necessarily agree on substantive law.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

Yes.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

Yes, in this campaign, I was rated “EXCELLENT” by the Asian American Bar Association, Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Attorneys, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and Norman S. Minor Bar Association. The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association rated me “Good.” Additionally, the Lake County Bar Association endorsed my candidacy as being “Highly Recommended.”

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

I am concerned that partisanship – real or perceived – is coming to be accepted as the explanation for the outcomes of cases – not justice or the fair application of the law. I believe the Ohio Supreme Court should be a firewall that protects individual rights and freedoms since it is quite literally Ohioans’ last stop for justice in this state. If people do not trust and have confidence in the courts to dispense justice and to apply the law fairly, we risk a breakdown of an orderly, democratic society. In recent years, there has been an increase in questioning the political motivations behind judicial decisions, as well as public officials refusing to abide by decisions issued by the Ohio Supreme Court. This degrades respect for all judges and courts in general, not just the specific judges who are the subject of criticism. In Ohio, we now have party affiliation on the ballot for judges on the Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court and it has only increased powerful partisan interests. I have the expertise in the law, commitment to community, and work ethic to bring intellectual rigor and common sense to the Court so that our laws are applied fairly and equitably to increase people’s confidence in the courts.

How does your state’s supreme court serve as part of the state government’s checks and balances?

Lisa Forbes (D)

Being an independent and fair jurist who ensures that the Ohio Supreme Court continues to perform its key function as a check and balance on the other branches of government is critical to building trust and confidence in the judiciary. The Ohio Supreme Court should not be a rubber stamp for either the legislature or executive. Ohio’s Supreme Court should be an independent court – free from party politics. I want to do my part to ensure that the high court serves as an effective firewall protecting our democracy, the rule of law and the rights of Ohioans.

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

Lisa Forbes (D)

I believe the bar association ratings provide meaningful information for voters because, as relates to the first five ratings discussed above, they compile their ratings from nonpartisan lawyers' professional associations with a variety of political backgrounds based on information and cases as well as rigorous interviews. Similarly, members of the Lake County Bar Association voted based on their experiences and review of the candidates’ records.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Lisa Forbes (D)

One of my favorite riddles is: What did the judge order from the soda fountain? Just ice.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Lisa Forbes (D)

I support financial transparency and governmental accountability for all elected officials, judges and justices included.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Lisa Forbes (D)

I have no position on the current state ballot initiative process.

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

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?

Melody Stewart (D)

Ohio voters must stop the politicization of the judiciary.

I was elected to the Supreme Court by over 1.8 million voters in contrast to my opponent who was appointed to another seat on the court by his friend the governor but who has decided to run against me for political reasons rather than run to keep the seat he was given. My opponent is the only member of the Ohio Supreme Court with zero prior judicial experience.

Quality and Experience Matter!

I am a jurist who has only run for judicial offices. My background experiences, education and training make me a quality public servant. In stark contrast, my opponent is a life long politician who has run for, and been elected to, multiple different offices but has never run for seat in the judiciary. This is because he lacks the background to be a quality candidate and is a viable judicial candidate now only because of the personal/political appointment and the fact that the Ohio general assembly changed the law a few years ago to have some judicial candidates run with party labels under their names. This was done to give my opponent and others in his party an advantage in judicial races.

Don't be fooled by fearmongering and name calling.

Require more from your candidates running for election or re-election to a public office. Do your own research and make your own inquires.

judicialvotescount.org is a good nonpartisan, non endorsing resource to evaluate the credentials of all the candidates running for judicial seats throughout the state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Melody Stewart (D)

Bringing about a better judicial system for all, adopting better ways to promote public safety, and reintegrating people into communities to be productive members of society.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

My mother.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Not that I'm aware.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Integrity, honesty, and working on behalf of the people you serve instead of for oneself, one's friends, family or political party.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Consensus building, respect for all, hard work, and a proven track record to name a few.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

To uphold the laws of the U.S. and the State of Ohio.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Melody Stewart (D)

Being a good public servant.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

The riots in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio in the 1960s. I was approximately 4 years old.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Babysitting, well into college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Melody Stewart (D)

Right now, Talking to Strangers. I think it contains interesting insights about our encounters with each other and how we interact with each other based on different, but every day factors of life.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

I'm clueless.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

We've Only Just Begun.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Not being judged by the color of my skin but by the content of my character.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Only that one does not have the right to get a case into the Ohio Supreme Court. So because we get to decide what cases we are going to hear, having a diversity of perspectives helps inform decision making and aids in rendering just outcomes.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

Melody Stewart (D)

Apply the law as written, when subject to interpretation, interpret within the confines of judicial review, discern what was intended when possible, do not make results-oriented decisions, and do not abandon common sense.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Not necessarily.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Yes, but moreso for a trial court judge than an appellate court judge.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Yes, on numerous occasions. Excellent.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Lack of data to inform decision-making, the collateral consequences of criminal convictions, implicit bias that affects decision making, lack of access to the justice system for so many. I know these are more than one, but they are all important.

How does your state’s supreme court serve as part of the state government’s checks and balances?

Melody Stewart (D)

Currently, Ohio's does not.

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

Melody Stewart (D)

Although not perfect, generally yes, particularly when the association's ratings are being made in large part by lawyers who practice before the judge.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Melody Stewart (D)

I don't have a favorite. They're all pretty funny or else I don't tell them. ;-)

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Melody Stewart (D)

Labor, public safety, bar associations, educational associations, civic organizations, editorial boards of newspapers, grass roots organizations, heath care professionals, executive and legislative elected officials, and special interest groups.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Melody Stewart (D)

I believe in it.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Melody Stewart (D)

I do not have an opinion on this.

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign ads

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.

Donnelly's seat

Michael Donnelly

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Michael Donnelly while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Megan Shanahan

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Megan Shanahan while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Stewart's seat

Joseph Deters

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Joseph Deters while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Deters' seat

Lisa Forbes

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Lisa Forbes while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Dan Hawkins

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Dan Hawkins while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Election competitiveness

Polls

If polls met our inclusion criteria during the election, we included them below.

Endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

Click the links below to see official endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites for any candidates that make that information available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.

Donnelly's seat

• Michael Donnelly

Stewart's seat

• Melody Stewart
• Joseph Deters

Deters' seat

• Lisa Forbes
• Dan Hawkins

Election spending

Campaign finance

See also: Campaign finance

The section and tables below contain data from financial reports submitted to state agencies. The data is gathered and made available by Transparency USA.

About the Ohio Supreme Court

See also: Ohio Supreme Court

Founded in 1802, the Ohio Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort and has final authority over the interpretation of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution. It is composed of seven justices: six justices and a chief justice. Most of the cases the court hears are appeals from the twelve district courts of appeals in Ohio. The court was established by Article IV Section 1 of the Ohio Constitution.

Political composition

This was the political composition of the court heading into the 2024 election.

■ Jennifer L. Brunner		Elected in 2020
■ Joseph Deters		Appointed by Mike DeWine (R) in 2022
■ Pat DeWine		Elected in 2016
■ Michael P. Donnelly		Elected in 2018
■ Pat Fischer		Elected in 2016
■ Sharon L. Kennedy		Elected in 2012 and 2020
■ Melody Stewart		Elected in 2018

Selection

See also: Judicial selection in Ohio

Each of the seven justices on the Ohio Supreme Court serves terms of six years. In the case of a 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.

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. 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.

Qualifications

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

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

Election context

Ballot access requirements

See also: Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Ohio

To view information about ballot access requirements for political candidates in Ohio, click here.

Ohio Supreme Court election history

General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sharon L. Kennedy (R)	56.1	2,307,415
		Jennifer L. Brunner (D)	43.9	1,807,133

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,114,548
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jennifer L. Brunner	100.0	445,711

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 445,711
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sharon L. Kennedy	100.0	814,717

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 814,717
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat Fischer (R)	56.9	2,330,575
		Terri Jamison (D)	43.1	1,764,845

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,095,420
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Terri Jamison	100.0	418,525

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 418,525
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat Fischer	100.0	788,538

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 788,538
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat DeWine (R)	56.3	2,306,428
		Marilyn Zayas (D)	43.7	1,789,384

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,095,812
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Marilyn Zayas	100.0	406,732

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 406,732
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Ohio Supreme Court

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

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pat DeWine	100.0	719,162

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 719,162
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary 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.
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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
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary 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
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

O'Donnell vacancy

General election

General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael P. Donnelly (D)	61.0	2,170,227
		Craig Baldwin (R)	39.0	1,385,435

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,555,662
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Primary election
■ Michael P. Donnelly
■ Craig Baldwin

DeGenaro's seat

General election

General election

General election for Ohio Supreme Court

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Melody Stewart (D)	52.6	1,853,418
		Mary DeGenaro (R)	47.4	1,667,258

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,520,676
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Primary election
■ Mary DeGenaro (Incumbent)
■ Melody J. Stewart

2024 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This was a battleground election. Other 2024 battleground elections included:

• Nevada's 1st Congressional District election, 2024
• New York's 17th Congressional District election, 2024
• Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (April 23 Republican primary)

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Ohio Supreme Court

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

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