Hatheway seeks second term on Hamilton County bench

Judge Alison Hatheway is seeking a second term on the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Hatheway took the bench on Feb. 13, 2021, according to her campaign website. She has been certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. The race is nonpartisan.

Candidate information

Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing 2/13)
Election: Ohio General Election, Nov. 3, 2026
Party: Nonpartisan
Education: Bachelor's degree in speech communication, Muskingum College (1998); J.D., Northern Kentucky University (2006)
Professional memberships (claimed by the candidate): Ohio Judicial Conference, Black Judge's Association of Ohio, Inn of Courts, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bar Association, Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP

Experience and public service

Before joining the bench, Hatheway served as director of the juvenile division at the Hamilton County Public Defender's office, according to BallotReady profile data. She also worked as a news anchor and reporter and as a group fitness instructor, according to her campaign website.

During her time leading the juvenile division, Hatheway said her team established the first participatory defense hub in Hamilton County. Her team was honored by the State Public Defender for its commitment to advocating for children, she said on her campaign website.

After taking the bench in 2021, Hatheway said she presided over a Supreme Court Certified Felony Mental Health Court docket. She also said she chaired the court's Probation Committee, which has since implemented evidence-based changes to probation supervision in Hamilton County.

On the issues

Criminal justice and public safety

Hatheway said she would work with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement and court administrators to promote "firm but fair and equal enforcement of the laws." She said she supports reforming the cash bail system and ensuring punishments for low-level, nonviolent offenders are proportionate to the crime.

She also said she wants to create programs that rehabilitate offenders, deter crime, reduce recidivism and strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.

"I want every person who goes through our court system in Hamilton County to be treated justly, fairly and with respect throughout the entire process," Hatheway said on her campaign website.