Ohio Voters Will Elect Supreme Court Justices in November
The upcoming November 2026 election features candidates competing for two seats on the state's highest court.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Political Parties
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Ohio voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to determine the composition of the state Supreme Court. Candidates Jennifer Brunner, Colleen O'Donnell, Dan Hawkins, and Marilyn Zayas are running for two open seats on the bench.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election could potentially shift the court's current 6-1 Republican majority to a 7-0 split, or allow Democrats to maintain or gain a seat. These races are particularly significant as they follow the implementation of a 2023 law requiring political affiliations to appear next to candidates' names on ballots.
This election involves candidates vying for two seats on the bench, with the winners set to earn an annual salary of $210,679 in 2027. Official campaign finance reports filed on October 5, 2026, detail the current funding levels for each candidate.
The players
Jennifer Brunner
She is an Ohio Supreme Court justice who previously served in Franklin County and sought to block the state law regarding political labels on ballots.
Colleen O'Donnell
She is a judicial candidate who secured 32% of the vote during the primary election cycle.
Dan Hawkins
He is an incumbent justice who was elected to the court in 2024.
Marilyn Zayas
She is a candidate who has served on the 1st Ohio District Court of Appeals since 2016.
The details
Candidates are placed on the ballot with their political party affiliation, a requirement established by a 2023 state law that Jennifer Brunner unsuccessfully sued to block. The court has maintained a Republican majority for four decades, and the upcoming contest will determine whether that trend continues or changes.
Timeline
2023: The law requiring political labels on ballots was passed.
October 5, 2026: Campaign finance reports were filed for the candidates.
November 2026: The Ohio Supreme Court election occurs.
Political Context
The introduction of political labels on judicial ballots has drawn significant scrutiny from those who argue it risks politicizing the state's judiciary. Conversely, proponents claim the change provides voters with essential information regarding a candidate's background and judicial philosophy.
The party affiliation displayed on the ballot may influence how voters prioritize candidates during the upcoming election. These judicial decisions directly impact the state legal system, affecting future interpretations of law for every Ohio citizen.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate records and party affiliations before heading to the polls to understand the potential shift in court composition. Understanding these roles helps clarify how state judicial elections influence the long-term direction of local law.
What happens next
The election for the two open Ohio Supreme Court seats is scheduled for November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the state's judicial landscape, visit the Political Parties section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
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