Susan Luken is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge in the Juvenile Division in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Kari L. Bloom.

Luken serves as a magistrate and assistant court administrator at Hamilton County Probate Court, according to the Hamilton County Probate Court website. She said on her campaign website that she would enforce the law fairly, hold offenders accountable and help young people return to the right path before mistakes become lifelong patterns.

Her campaign focuses on juvenile justice, child protection and court reform.

Candidate information

  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Cincinnati; juris doctor, University of Cincinnati (2002)
  • Bar admissions: Ohio Bar; United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
  • Professional memberships: Ohio Magistrates Association, Ohio Association for Court Administration, Cincinnati Bar Association
  • Personal: Born and raised in Cincinnati

Experience and public service

  • Magistrate/assistant court administrator, Hamilton County Probate Court (2023–present)
  • Assistant court administrator, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division (2012–2021)
  • Magistrate, Hamilton County Juvenile Court (2021–2023)
  • Magistrate, Hamilton County Juvenile Court (2011–2012)
  • Law clerk, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division (2006–2011)
  • Commercial litigation attorney, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP

Luken was selected for Law Review at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, according to the Hamilton County Probate Court website.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Luken's campaign website responses.

Juvenile justice and accountability: Luken said dispositions should reflect the seriousness of the offense and its impact on victims and the community. She said she would hold offenders accountable, support victims and help young people return to the right path.

Child protection: Luken said every child deserves a safe, stable home and the opportunity to grow and thrive in a healthy environment. She said delays in case processing and indecision can compound the trauma children have already experienced.

Judicial integrity and court reform: Luken said she would administer justice impartially and consistently, set clear expectations and ensure victims have a voice. She said she would support evidence-based programs and strong partnerships with law enforcement, schools, children's services and community organizations.

Endorsements

The following endorsement was claimed by the endorsing organization:

  • Hamilton County Republican Party, which included Luken on its official 2026 judicial slate for juvenile court

Issue responses attributed to Luken are drawn from her campaign website questionnaire. The Princeton Pike Corridor did not interview the candidate for this profile.