Roger Bouchard is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Jennifer Branch in the nonpartisan race for the seat designated as Term Commencing 2/9.

Bouchard, a Cincinnati native, said he advocates strict judicial restraint. He said on Ballotpedia that a judge's role is "to interpret the law exactly as written by the legislature, not to legislate from the bench or allow personal political leanings to influence outcomes."

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing 2/9)
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Opponent: Jennifer Branch
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Sciences, Xavier University, 1998; juris doctor, Capital University Law School, 2002 (according to his Avvo profile)
  • High school: St. Xavier High School
  • Bar admission: Ohio State Bar, Nov. 18, 2002 (according to his Avvo profile)

Experience and public service

Bouchard said on his Avvo profile that he has over 23 years of legal practice, with extensive experience in criminal defense in Hamilton County and surrounding areas. He listed his experience as a magistrate at Hamilton County Juvenile Court and as owner of Roger P. Bouchard, Attorney at Law, LLC. He started the firm in 2022. He has been a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association since 2022, according to his Avvo profile.

On the issues

Bouchard outlined several priorities on Ballotpedia. All statements below are the candidate's own responses.

Judicial philosophy: Bouchard said he holds a strict constructionist view. He said public trust depends on a predictable judiciary "…where every party enters a courtroom on an equal footing and the law is applied consistently to all."

Public safety: Bouchard said he would ensure laws are upheld and that "those who endanger our community are held fully responsible." He called protecting neighborhoods and families "a non-negotiable priority."

Victim advocacy: Bouchard said he is committed to a judicial process where victims' voices are heard and respected throughout legal proceedings.

Judicial fairness: Bouchard said every individual who enters his courtroom will be treated with dignity, respect and the guarantee of a fair hearing, regardless of background.

Judicial activism and due process: Bouchard said he is concerned by what he called "legislating from the bench," where personal policy preferences or political pressures influence judicial outcomes. He said this creates instability for families and businesses.

Endorsements

The Hamilton County Republican Party included Bouchard on its official 2026 judicial slate for Court of Common Pleas.

  • Hamilton County Republican Party

The Anderson-Mariemont Journal did not find an official campaign website for Roger Bouchard. This profile is based on his Ballotpedia page, his Avvo attorney profile and the Hamilton County Republican Party's published judicial slate.