Rep. Synenberg, Justices Donnelly and Brown Call for Restoration of Ohio's Judicial Endorsement Rule
COLUMBUS — State Rep. Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) today hosted a press conference joined by former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Donnelly, former Chief Justice Eric Brown, and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association to call on the Supreme Court of Ohio to restore and uphold the longstanding judicial endorsement rule, a principle that guided Ohio’s judiciary for more than 70 years. The press conference highlighted House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 43 and other proposals aimed at preserving the integrity of Ohio’s judicial system.
“Ohio is now the only state in the entire country where judges are permitted to publicly endorse political candidates. This raises a serious concern about judicial impartiality and public confidence in our courts,” said Rep. Synenberg. “Our state has experienced 15 years of unified single-party control and operates under a system in which a single political majority often sets the direction of policy decisions, underscoring the importance of keeping partisan politics out of the judicial system so that we can preserve fairness, independence, and maintain public trust.”
“It is my hope that this resolution marks the beginning of a long overdue conversation in Ohio about structurally reforming the way we select judges,” said Justice Donnelly. “We should strive for a judicial system that remains accountable to the public while insulating judges from partisan political influence as much as humanly possible. Public confidence that courts will decide cases fairly, impartially, and without fear or favor is essential to preserving the Rule of Law.”
HCR 43 urges the Supreme Court of Ohio to reestablish the state's longstanding judicial endorsement rule, which prohibited judges and judicial candidates from publicly endorsing or opposing candidates for nonjudicial office. The resolution comes in response to the Court's decision to eliminate the rule, making Ohio the only state in the nation that permits judges to publicly endorse political candidates. Rep. Synenberg plans to prioritize judicial reform in the next General Assembly, including removing party labels from judicial candidates on the ballot.
“The public relies on judges to be fair and independent, and lawyers are rightfully concerned about the implications, perceived and real, that these changes will have in how Ohioans see the neutrality of our courts,” said Chris Schmitt, CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. “We’re hopeful that the Supreme Court reconsiders this matter with plenty of opportunity for comment and input from the organized bar and other interested constituencies.”
HCR 43 awaits a first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo of Rep. Synenberg, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Donnelly, former Chief Justice Eric Brown, and Rep. Brennan speaking in the George Washington Williams Memorial Room in the Ohio Statehouse is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democratic Caucus.