Six candidates are running for three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court. It’s an important race that could reshape the court, which has had a Republican majority since 1986.
The Ohio Supreme Court is the highest court in the state system. The court’s seven justices consider cases that raise constitutional questions and appeals from lower courts about everything from abortion access, redistricting and the death penalty to the advertising of boneless chicken wings.
The race is partisan, meaning the candidates are identified as Republicans and Democrats.
Get live election updates and results after polls close at 7:30 p.m.
Lisa Forbes and Daniel Hawkins
Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Lisa Forbes faces Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Daniel Hawkins to fill a term on the court that will end on Dec. 31, 2026. The seat opened up when Justice Joe Deters decided to run for a full six-year term instead of staying in the seat he was appointed to after Sharon Kennedy’s election to the position of chief justice in 2022.
The General Election Judge Guide is created in partnership with Signal Cleveland, Cleveland Documenters and The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Find the full guide and share feedback here.
Justice Michael Donnelly and Megan Shanahan
Justice Michael Donnelly faces a challenge from Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Megan Shanahan for a six-year term that starts on Jan. 1, 2025.
Justice Melody Stewart and Justice Joseph Deters
The two current Ohio Supreme Court justices are running against each other for a six-year term that starts on Jan. 2, 2025.
