This year, along with a presidential election, Ohio has one of the country’s most high-profile U.S. Senate races. But amid all the attention these races generate, it is important that voters not lose sight of another crucial decision facing Ohio voters this November—the election of Ohio Supreme Court justices.
As always, the outcome of these races will significantly impact our state’s legal and economic landscape. Ohio Supreme Court decisions have influence on issues like taxation, education, healthcare, commerce, and liability limits. Needless to say, a stable legal environment is crucial for business growth and job creation.
Three of the candidates running for the state’s highest court have exemplified their commitment to the rule of law, integrity, and judicial restraint. For this reason, the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice is endorsing Justice Joe Deters and candidates Dan Hawkins and Megan Shanahan.
To see the full list of Ohio CPA PAC Preferred candidates across the state, click here.
Below are brief profiles for each candidate:
Justice Joe Deters
Justice Joseph T. Deters was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine and took office in January 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as Hamilton County’s longest-tenured prosecutor for over 25 years. During his time as prosecutor, Justice Deters played a pivotal role in criminal justice reform by establishing Ohio's first drug court and launching several key initiatives, including a victim/witness advocate program, diversion programs for non-violent offenders and specialized units for monitoring sex offenders, as well as addressing violent crimes against women and children.
In addition to his role as prosecutor, Justice Deters was twice elected as Ohio’s Treasurer, managing more than $11 billion in state assets. His public service career also includes time as Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and an early start as an assistant county prosecutor.
A University of Cincinnati alumnus, he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees there, receiving the Nicholas Longworth III Alumni Achievement Award for his legal and community contributions. Justice Deters remains actively involved in civic and professional organizations, including the Cincinnati Bar Association, and has held leadership roles on several boards and commissions.
Dan Hawkins
Judge Dan Hawkins, a lifelong resident of Columbus, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University and his law degree from The Ohio State University. Appointed to the Environmental Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court in 2013, Judge Hawkins was later elected to continue serving in that role. He implemented strategies to address nuisance properties and created a neighborhood clean-up program. In 2018, he was elected to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, where he has earned high ratings from the Columbus Bar Association and recognition from law enforcement and community organizations.
He began his legal career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, spending 13 years as a trial prosecutor. For 10 of those years, he led the Special Victims Unit, handling cases involving violent crimes against women and children, including murder, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Judge Hawkins has personally prosecuted more than 100 cases during his time in the office.
Recently endorsed by the Ohio Republican Party, Judge Hawkins lives on the north side of Columbus with his wife, Amy, and their three children. They are active members of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville.
Megan Shanahan
Judge Megan Shanahan is a respected trial court judge known for her transparent, no-nonsense approach. She was first elected to the Hamilton Country Municipal Court in 2011, where she managed a large caseload efficiently and fairly. In April 2015, Judge Shanahan was appointed to the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court and won a subsequent election in 2016 with overwhelming support, garnering more votes than any other contested judicial candidate in her county. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her commitment to public safety, receiving the Peggy Caldwell Award from the Hope in Heels Organization for her work with crime victims.
Prior to her judicial career, she served as a felony-level prosecutor, trying more than 50 jury cases and successfully sending hundreds of dangerous criminals to prison. Judge Shanahan was particularly passionate about prosecuting child predators, advocating for victims and securing justice, including a landmark case where she arranged for a child victim to testify via closed-circuit television to avoid intimidation.
A native of coal country and the youngest of eight children, Judge Shanahan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and her law degree from the University of Cincinnati. She is an active community leader, supporting organizations like Cincinnati Living Hope and frequently lecturing at schools and civic groups. Judge Shanahan resides in Cincinnati with her husband and two children.