Ohio Supreme Court Upheld Manning Ballot Placement
The court rejected a challenge by the Summit County Democratic Party against Republican candidate Nathan Manning.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Law
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The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Judge Nathan Manning may remain on the ballot for the Ninth District Court of Appeals. The decision follows a challenge filed by the Summit County Democratic Party regarding his candidacy eligibility.
Why it matters
The ruling resolves a dispute over whether Manning could stay on the ballot after winning a primary for a different office and subsequently receiving a judicial appointment. It clarifies the application of state election laws regarding party candidate replacement.
The Ohio Supreme Court ruling on October 9, 2026, upheld the candidacy of Nathan Manning under the interpretation of Ohio Revised Code statute 3513.31(I). Manning previously won the primary election for Ohio House District 52 before his appointment.
The players
Nathan Manning
He is the Republican candidate for the Ninth District Court of Appeals who was previously appointed to the seat by the governor.
Mark Derrig
He serves as the Summit County Democratic Party Chairman and filed the challenge against Manning's ballot status.
Frank LaRose
He is the Ohio Secretary of State who previously determined that Manning could remain on the ballot.
Mike DeWine
He is the Governor of Ohio who appointed Manning to the Ninth District Court in July 2026.
Tavia Galonski
She is the Democratic candidate running against Manning for the Ninth District Court of Appeals seat.
The details
The court determined that state law prohibits political parties from replacing a primary election winner with a different candidate, specifically applying to instances where an officeholder resigns before a primary. The challenge had argued that Manning was ineligible to run for the appeals court after winning the primary election for Ohio House District 52.
Timeline
May 31, 2026: Judge Donna Carr retired from the Ninth District Court.
July 2026: Governor Mike DeWine appointed Nathan Manning to the court.
October 9, 2026: The Ohio Supreme Court rejected the challenge to the candidacy.
Political Context
Opponents have argued that the court's interpretation of Ohio Revised Code statute 3513.31(I) fails to address the unique circumstances of a mid-cycle judicial appointment. Dissenting parties maintain that maintaining ballot integrity requires stricter adherence to primary election outcomes.
Voters in the Ninth District will see Manning's name on the ballot during the upcoming election cycle. This decision ensures that the current judicial race will proceed as scheduled without changes to the candidate list.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complexities of filling judicial vacancies when appointments occur near primary election cycles. Voters should stay informed about how appointment processes intersect with established ballot access regulations in their jurisdiction.
Further reading
For more information on state judicial proceedings, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Akron Beacon Journal.
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