Ohio Supreme Court
The Ohio Supreme Court is a seven-justice court that is selected by partisan elections, with interim vacancies filled by appointment by the governor. As of 2023 the political balance on this court is 4-3 Republican.[1]
Prior to 2023, the Chief Justice O'Connor was Republican but tended to vote with Democrats on some key issues. She could not run for reelection due to a mandatory age limit of 70 and, in November 2022, Justice Sharon Kennedy won the election to replace her as Chief Justice.[1] Gov. DeWine then appointed former longtime prosecutor Joe Deters to the Ohio Supreme Court.
2024 Race
In the presidential election year of 2024, two Democrat justices and one Republican justice are up for reelection. The Republican Joe Deters chose to run for a seat currently held by the Democrat Melody Stewart,[2] making a 1 or 2-seat gain by the GOP possible, or even likely if Trump carries the state by 10 points. With 2 Dem incumbents but only 1 Republican incumbent up, it's possible that the Ohio Supreme Court could shift from 4-3 GOP to 5-2 or 6-1 on Trump's coattails.
Ohio Supreme Court Justices are required by law to list their party identification on the ballot.
