Judge Jenkins seeks re-election to Hamilton County bench

Judge Christian A. Jenkins is seeking re-election to the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division. He faces Betsy Sunderman in the nonpartisan race for the seat designated Term Commencing 1/2.

Jenkins has served on the Common Pleas bench since 2021, according to BallotReady profile data. His endorsement record and background are also detailed in his Blue Voter Guide profile.

Jenkins has not returned the Anderson-Mariemont Journal's candidate questionnaire.

Candidate information

Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing 1/2)
Party: Nonpartisan
Opponent: Betsy Sunderman (Nonpartisan)
Election date: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science and government, Penn State University (1991); J.D., University of Wisconsin (1995)

Experience and public service

Jenkins spent years in private legal practice before joining the bench, according to BallotReady profile data.

He worked as an associate attorney at Sirkin, Pinales, Mezibov & Schwartz from 1999 to 2003. He then served as managing partner at Mezibov & Jenkins, Co. LPA from 2003 to 2007. Jenkins was managing partner at Minnillo & Jenkins, Co. LPA from 2007 to 2020. He joined the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court as a judge in 2021.

His legal career has included both criminal defense and civil litigation work across the Cincinnati area, spanning firms he helped lead as managing partner.

On the issues

Abortion rights: Jenkins addressed abortion rights in an October 2024 ruling in Preterm-Cleveland v. Yost, according to his campaign website. Jenkins stated: "Ohio voters have spoken. The Ohio Constitution now unequivocally protects the right to abortion."

The campaign website did not provide additional issue positions beyond this statement.