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Daniel R. Hawkins is on the Ohio Voter Guide

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Incumbent
Republican
Daniel R. Hawkins
Daniel R. Hawkins
Background and Bio
Daniel Hawkins grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University and a law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Hawkins began his legal career as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, spending 13 years as a trial prosecutor, including as Director of the office's Special Victims Unit, which specializes in crimes of violence against women and children. Hawkins was later appointed to fill a vacancy on the Environmental Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court and served on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, before his election to the Ohio Supreme Court in November 2024. Hawkins lives in Westerville with his wife and 3 children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretive Approach: Hawkins campaign materials and statements state that he offers what he calls “a solid conservative voice” on the court, and campaign endorsements have stated that Hawkins would “interpret the law rather than write it from the bench.” 
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Campaign materials highlight Hawkins’ background in criminal justice, specifically his role as a Franklin County prosecutor leading the office's special victims unit, handling murder, sex crimes, and trafficking cases.

Endorsements
  • National Federation of Independent Business Ohio PAC (NFIB Ohio PAC)
  • Ohio Business Roundtable
  • Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC
  • Ohio Farm Bureau
  • Ohio Manufacturers' Association PAC
  • Ohio Conference of Teamsters
  • Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association 
  • Fraternal Order of Police Ohio (FOP Ohio)
  • Buckeye Firearms Association PAC
  • Ohio Society of CPAs PAC

Background and Bio
Daniel Hawkins grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University and a law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Hawkins began his legal career as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, spending 13 years as a trial prosecutor, including as Director of the office's Special Victims Unit, which specializes in crimes of violence against women and children. Hawkins was later appointed to fill a vacancy on the Environmental Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court and served on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, before his election to the Ohio Supreme Court in November 2024. Hawkins lives in Westerville with his wife and 3 children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretive Approach: Hawkins campaign materials and statements state that he offers what he calls “a solid conservative voice” on the court, and campaign endorsements have stated that Hawkins would “interpret the law rather than write it from the bench.” 
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Campaign materials highlight Hawkins’ background in criminal justice, specifically his role as a Franklin County prosecutor leading the office's special victims unit, handling murder, sex crimes, and trafficking cases.

Endorsements
  • National Federation of Independent Business Ohio PAC (NFIB Ohio PAC)
  • Ohio Business Roundtable
  • Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC
  • Ohio Farm Bureau
  • Ohio Manufacturers' Association PAC
  • Ohio Conference of Teamsters
  • Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association 
  • Fraternal Order of Police Ohio (FOP Ohio)
  • Buckeye Firearms Association PAC
  • Ohio Society of CPAs PAC

Last Updated:2026-09-25
Innovation Ohio Education Fund

Paid for by Innovation Ohio Education Fund.

The nonpartisan summaries of candidates’ backgrounds and issue summaries within this voter guide were compiled from publicly available campaign materials and statements, candidate websites and social media accounts, and news coverage of the candidates and election.

Information presented within this resource is for educational and informational purposes and does not reflect the views or positions of Innovation Ohio Education Fund. Inclusion in this guide does not reflect an endorsement of, or opposition to, any candidate or political party.