Democratic Candidates Shine at Ohio Supreme Court Forum as GOP Contenders Skip Out
In a striking display of political dynamics, the recent Ohio Supreme Court candidates’ forum hosted by the City Club of Cleveland and the Ohio Debate Commission saw only the Democratic candidates in attendance. Incumbent Justices Michael Donnelly and Melody Stewart, along with Judge Lisa Forbes, took the stage on Tuesday, while their Republican counterparts—Judge Megan Shanahan, Justice Joseph Deters, and Judge Dan Hawkins—were notably absent.
The forum, moderated by Ohio Statehouse Bureau Chief Karen Kasler, provided a platform for the Democratic trio to discuss their visions for the court and to critique their opponents’ lack of participation. The absence of the Republican candidates raised eyebrows, especially given the significance of the upcoming election, which could potentially shift the current 4-3 Republican majority on the Ohio Supreme Court.
Donnelly and Stewart, both elected in 2018, emphasized the importance of transparency and public engagement in the judicial process. “I implore (Deters) to just show up anywhere with me— a street corner, a candidates forum, an editorial board, anywhere, and just discuss the substance of our candidacies,” Stewart challenged, highlighting the need for accountability from all candidates.
The stakes are high in this election, with Donnelly facing Shanahan, Stewart competing against Deters for a full six-year term, and Forbes vying for Deters’ open seat, which expires on December 31, 2026. Deters, who was appointed to the court by Governor Mike DeWine in January 2023 without prior judicial experience, has been criticized for his absence from the forum.
The Democratic candidates seized the opportunity to address key issues, including bail reform and the interpretation of laws. Donnelly pointed to a recent ruling he was involved in regarding bail conditions, arguing that if a defendant poses a threat to public safety, they should be held without bond rather than subjected to exorbitant bail amounts. “I would like to talk to my opponent about that,” he remarked, referring to Shanahan’s absence.
Stewart echoed these sentiments, asserting that the judicial system must balance public safety with the rights of defendants. “If you set an amount that is unattainable, you’re not allowing release,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a fair judicial process.
Forbes, a newcomer to the Supreme Court race, expressed her motivation for running, stating, “I want to do my part to make sure that the Supreme Court is a firewall that protects our democracy, the rule of law, and your rights.” She criticized the notion that being tough on crime equates to denying bail to dangerous individuals, arguing that a nuanced approach is necessary.
The forum also touched on a recent controversial ruling regarding the definition of "boneless chicken wings," which Forbes found concerning. “If I am elected to the Supreme Court and I need to define a word, I promise you that I will use a dictionary,” she quipped, highlighting the absurdity of the ruling and the importance of clear legal definitions.
All three Democratic candidates voiced their opposition to the partisan nature of the current judicial elections, which were made partisan by a 2021 law. They argued that this shift undermines public confidence in the judiciary. “If we’re going to have an elected judiciary, it should be nonpartisan,” Donnelly asserted, with Stewart and Forbes agreeing that political affiliations should not influence judicial outcomes.
As the election approaches, the absence of Republican candidates at such a critical forum raises questions about their commitment to engaging with voters and addressing the pressing issues facing Ohio’s judicial system. With the potential to reshape the Ohio Supreme Court, the upcoming election is set to be a pivotal moment in the state’s legal landscape.
