DISTRICT & DESCRIPTION
Ohio State Supreme Court, Ohio
WHY I’M RUNNING FOR OFFICE
Justice Donnelly ran for the Ohio Supreme Court in 2018 to restore the public’s waning trust in the judicial system and to serve as an independent justice whose only allegiance would be to the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions. He believes the people of Ohio deserve nothing less than equal treatment under the law.
“I work tirelessly to keep our families and communities safe by fighting to reform the broken plea-bargaining process. We need to fix the system that often allows serious criminals to walk away with a slap on the wrist and avoid being placed on the sex offender registry. I’m seeking a second term so I can oppose the politicization of the judiciary, which is fueling the growing sense that our courts are focused less on applying the law equally to all and more on serving the interests of those who can afford to purchase justice.”
EDUCATION
A graduate of St. Ignatius High School, John Carroll University, and Cleveland State University College of Law, Justice Donnelly’s entire educational and professional journey has been tied to Ohio, fostering a deep understanding of the state’s unique legal landscape.
EXPERIENCE
Justice Donnelly began his legal career as an assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor before entering private practice. For the next seven years, he represented injured workers and plaintiffs involved in a variety of legal battles.
In 2004, Justice Donnelly was elected judge of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, a position he held for 14 years. His contributions to the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism are noteworthy, as was the role he played in establishing the nationally recognized Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program. His selection as one of two Ohio judges invited to participate in the National Judicial College’s leadership program also illustrates his
During his time on the Ohio Supreme Court, Justice Donnelly was an influential member of the majority that repeatedly rejected General Assembly and Congressional districts that had been gerrymandered in violation of Ohio’s Constitution. In 2023, he argued emphatically that the General Assembly did not have the power to schedule a special August election. He also turned back repeated attempts to keep the Reproductive Freedom amendment off the 2023 ballot, and protected the rights of union members.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Justice Donnelly’s participation in the Ohio Supreme Court Death Penalty Task Force and his recent leadership in the Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Post-Conviction Review underscore his dedication to justice reform and the protection of the innocent. In addition, his commitment to the community is evident through his board service for organizations including:
- The Cleveland Baseball Federation
- Chagrin Arts
- The Western Reserve Fire Museum
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Donnelly for Supreme Court
545 E. Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215
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