Sarah Henry seeks Hamilton County Common Pleas judgeship

Sarah Henry is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division, in the 2026 general election. The nonpartisan race is for the rest of an unexpired term.

Henry faces Christopher McDowell, also running as nonpartisan, according to BallotReady election data. Henry is certified for the ballot.

Candidate information

Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing 1/3)
Party: Nonpartisan
Election: Nov. 3, 2026
Education: Juris doctor from Northern Kentucky University (2008); bachelor's degree from Loyola University of Chicago (2004)
Residence background: Born on a Navy base and raised in Cincinnati by a Navy officer and two educators, according to Ohio Pride PAC

Experience and public service

Henry has served as administrative magistrate at Hamilton County Juvenile Court since January 2023, according to her campaign website. In that role, she presides over two dockets, oversees the court's mediation program and launched explainer videos so families walk into court knowing what to expect, according to Ohio Pride PAC.

Before joining the juvenile court, Henry worked as an attorney at the Children's Law Center and at Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati, where she helped organize the union, and also served as a public defender, according to Ohio Pride PAC.

Henry has trial experience in Alaska, Kentucky and Ohio, including jury, bench, capital and civil matters, according to Ohio Pride PAC. She serves as a board member of the Mount Washington Community Council, according to Ohio Pride PAC.

On the issues

Henry's campaign website outlines three priorities:

Court access and public service: Henry said she would work with fellow judges to ensure the courthouse serves the public by considering expanded hours, alternative locations and staggered dockets.

Rule of law and judicial accountability: Henry said she would track her own decisions and sentencing ranges to help inform her biases and ensure she follows the rule of law.

Equal treatment in the courtroom: Henry said she would treat all people with dignity and respect regardless of background, and that everyone in her courtroom would be treated equally and given the opportunity to seek justice.