Katie Casch, a Republican Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge, is running for the General Division seat in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Democrat Donte Johnson.
Casch and Johnson are competing for the term beginning Jan. 1, 2027, currently held by Melba Marsh. Casch’s existing term runs through Dec. 31, 2030.
Asked why she is seeking the office, Casch said in our questionnaire, "I am a current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge. I will continue to work hard to keep Hamilton County safe."
Candidate information
Party: Judicial races are nonpartisan, Casch wrote in our questionnaire.
Education: "University of Cincinnati, College of Law, J.D. University of Cincinnati, B.A.," Casch said in our questionnaire.
Family: "I am married to my husband and we have two children," Casch responded in our questionnaire.
Family in politics or government: "No," Casch said in our questionnaire.
Experience and public service
Elected office: "Common Pleas Court Judge- Elected 2024," Casch said in our questionnaire.
Occupation and work history: Casch wrote in our questionnaire, "Common Pleas Court Judge- As a Common Pleas Court Judge, I preside over felony criminal and civil cases. I am also certified by the Ohio Supreme Court as a specialty docket judge and preside over a felony Mental Health Court." She added, "Former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor- As an Assistant Prosecutor for over ten years, I prosecuted thousands of cases including felonious assaults, robberies, and murders."
Endorsements: Casch lists endorsements from the Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 48, and the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge No. 69, according to her campaign website.
On the issues
What are the critical differences between you and other candidates? "I am a current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge and a former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor. I have practiced both criminal and civil law and handled thousands of cases," Casch said in our questionnaire.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Casch responded in our questionnaire, "As an Assistant Prosecutor, I fought for the most vulnerable members of our society. I represented Hamilton County Job and Family Services in cases involving abused and neglected children. … In Common Pleas Court, I prosecuted the most serious crimes against victims including domestic violence, robberies, rapes, and murders. … For my work as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I received the PLEDGE (Promoting Lawyer Excellence & Driving Gender Equality) award from the Federal Bar Association. This award recognizes women in the legal profession who have demonstrated exceptional legal talent."
You preside over a felony mental health court. What have you learned about what works for defendants with mental illness? "Treatment and accountability are essential to public safety," Casch said in our questionnaire. "When defendants receive consistent mental health care, clear expectations, and meaningful supervision, they have a better chance of changing their behavior and staying out of the criminal justice system. Addressing the underlying issues while holding people accountable helps protect our communities."
You've said you make sure bonds are appropriate. How do you decide bond in cases involving violent charges? "The Ohio Constitution mandates that judges consider public safety when setting bail. As a judge, I follow the Constitution when setting bail to protect Hamilton County," Casch wrote in our questionnaire.
