Decision 2026: Statewide Meet The Candidate Series -- January 12th Candidate Spotlight: Dan Hawkins for Supreme Court

Dan Hawkins — Ohio Supreme Court
(Not contested in GOP primary)

Candidate background (plain English): Justice Dan Hawkins joined the Supreme Court of Ohio on Dec. 10, 2024 after winning statewide election; previously a Franklin County prosecutor (including Special Victims Unit leadership) and judge.

Why the office matters: Ohio’s highest court is the final word on the Ohio Constitution and state law—cases often touch elections/ballot issues, public safety, business/property rules, and education.

What to listen for (since uncontested): judicial philosophy, independence, restraint vs. activism, and approach to precedent.

Tough questions to ask:

• How do you define judicial restraint—and where have you applied it?
• When should the Court overturn precedent, if ever?
• How should the Court treat voter-approved constitutional amendments?
• What would you do to increase transparency/public trust?

Learn more (verified links):

• Website: https://www.HawkinsForOhio.com/ (campaign)
• Official bio: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/judicial-system/supreme-court-of-ohio/justices-overview/daniel-hawkins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electjudgehawkins/
• X: https://x.com/JudgeHawkins

Recent news & context (candidate):

• Supreme Court investiture ceremony (Court News Ohio): https://www.courtnewsohio.gov/happening/2025/HawkinsInvestiture_021425.asp
• Ballotpedia profile (bio + election history): https://ballotpedia.org/Dan_Hawkins_(Ohio)

Recent news & context (office):

• AP on high-stakes Ohio Supreme Court politics/issue areas: https://apnews.com/article/efa9c7f10a05d69c6ce6694f233afac4
• Signal Ohio on GOP choosing not to endorse in Supreme Court primary: https://signalohio.org/ohio-republican-party-doesnt-endorse-in-supreme-court-race/

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