Ohio Voters Will Elect Two Supreme Court Justices
The upcoming November 3, 2026, election will determine if the state supreme court shifts to full Republican control.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Ohio voters are set to elect two Supreme Court justices on November 3, 2026. This election could potentially shift the partisan balance of the seven-member court to be entirely controlled by Republican justices.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election is critical as the court oversees mandatory appeals in death-penalty cases and resolves conflicts between lower court decisions. With the current composition, this vote will decide if the state's highest judicial body moves toward total Republican dominance.
The Ohio Supreme Court operates with seven justices who serve staggered six-year terms. Candidates must be under 70 years old on the day they take office.
The players
Jennifer Brunner
She serves as the only Democratic justice on the Ohio Supreme Court and is seeking reelection.
Dan Hawkins
He is a Republican justice on the Ohio Supreme Court running for another term.
Colleen O'Donnell
She is a Republican candidate running to unseat Jennifer Brunner and previously served as a federal immigration judge.
Marilyn Zayas
She is a Democratic candidate challenging Republican Dan Hawkins for a seat on the court.
The details
The election features incumbent Democrat Jennifer Brunner facing Republican challenger Colleen O'Donnell, while incumbent Republican Dan Hawkins faces Democrat Marilyn Zayas. Jennifer Brunner remains the only Democrat currently serving on the high court.
Timeline
November 3, 2026, is the date for the Ohio Supreme Court election.
Legal Context
The election process follows the established rules set by the Ohio Constitution regarding term lengths and age requirements for judicial candidates. These constitutional standards define the current structural framework governing how voters select members of the state's highest court.
This election will determine the final authority on death-penalty appeals and conflicting lower court rulings throughout Ohio. Residents will see the impacts of these judicial philosophies in how the law is interpreted across the entire state.
The takeaway
Voters should note that the court hears mandatory appeals for significant cases, making this election a turning point for state law. Understanding the platforms of both judicial candidates is essential before casting a ballot in November.
Further reading
For additional context on the state's judicial landscape, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC4i.
Live Poll
Do you believe supreme court justices should be elected rather than appointed in your state?
