Nathan Manning Will Run for Appeals Court in 2026
The Ohio state senator and veteran prosecutor is seeking a seat on the Ninth District Court of Appeals.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Judge and state lawmaker Nathan Manning announced his candidacy for the Ninth District Court of Appeals, with the election scheduled for November 2026. Manning aims to bring his nearly two decades of diverse legal experience to the regional appellate bench.
Why it matters
Manning believes his extensive career in private practice, prosecution, defense, and the state legislature prepares him to effectively interpret and apply law. His platform focuses on enhancing judicial accessibility and modernizing legal proceedings through technology.
Candidate Nathan Manning is 44 years old and cites 20 years of experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and state legislator. His campaign status remains active ahead of the November 2026 election cycle.
The players
Nathan Manning
He is an Ohio state senator and attorney who has worked as a partner at Manning & Manning since 2007.
Ohio Judicial Conference
This is an organization that provides a forum for Ohio judges to study and improve the administration of justice.
The details
Manning, a resident of North Ridgeville, proposes utilizing virtual courtroom options to increase access to justice for victims and parties located out-of-state. Additionally, he plans to collaborate with the Ohio Judicial Conference to evaluate and refine state laws.
Timeline
Manning served as a North Ridgeville prosecutor from 2012 to 2014.
He held the position of State Representative between 2015 and 2018.
He served as a State Senator from 2019 to 2026.
He worked as a Put-in-Bay Mayor's Court prosecutor from 2024 to 2026.
The election for the Ninth District Court of Appeals will be held in November 2026.
Legal Context
Manning's reform proposals align with the Ohio Judicial Conference's standards for judicial administration to improve courtroom efficiency. This initiative reflects a broader trend of leveraging digital infrastructure to address long-standing challenges in state court access.
The proposed adoption of virtual court options could provide Ohio residents with greater flexibility when participating in legal proceedings. These potential changes aim to reduce logistical burdens for victims and parties who may otherwise face travel constraints.
The takeaway
Manning's campaign emphasizes the intersection of legislative experience and judicial administration. Voters in the Ninth District will eventually weigh his proposal for virtual justice access against his past record in local and state government.
Further reading
Learn more about the state legal landscape by visiting our Criminal Justice section.
More information
To review the candidate's platform and background, visit the Nathan Manning campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Morning Journal.
Live Poll
Should candidates for local judicial office prioritize implementing virtual access options for court participants?
