Donte Johnson is on the Ohio Voter Guide

Welcome to the Ohio Voter Guide! The Ohio Voter Guide compiles unbiased, nonpartisan information about candidates that helps you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot. Please share this guide with your friends and family!

Important Dates to Know:

  • October 5: Deadline to register to vote
  • October 6: Absentee Voting by Mail and Early In-Person Voting begins (view early in-person voting hours)
  • October 27: Deadline to request an absentee ballot (must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 pm)
  • November 3: Election Day 
    - Vote in-person at your polling location, open between 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on Election Day
    - Return an absentee ballot to your board of elections by 7:30 pm to be counted)

Helpful Links:

Democrat
Donte Johnson
Donte Johnson
Background and Bio
Donte Johnson was born and raised in Cincinnati, growing up in the West End and Avondale neighborhoods. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University and his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Before joining the bench, he served as a public defender and a housing attorney, worked as an assistant general counsel, and operated a solo legal practice focused on criminal defense, plaintiff's litigation, and probate law. He has served as a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court since December 2021. Johnson lives in Hamilton County and is married with children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretative Approach: According to his campaign, Johnson said his career has been focused on "ensuring that the courthouse doors are open to everyone, regardless of background or status," and that the seat is about "guaranteeing that every litigant who stands before the court is treated with absolute impartiality, dignity, and justice."
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Johnson's campaign website states he "works collaboratively with the Hamilton County Office of Re-Entry, Hamilton County Probation Department, and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office to reduce recidivism and connect returning citizens with critical support and services," and that he is committed to "equal access to justice for every crime victim, every person accused of a crime, and every civil litigant." In his current seat, he has reduced recidivism a key priority.
Endorsements
  • Ohio Federation of Teachers
  • Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio ACT
  • Hamilton County Democratic Party
Background and Bio
Donte Johnson was born and raised in Cincinnati, growing up in the West End and Avondale neighborhoods. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University and his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Before joining the bench, he served as a public defender and a housing attorney, worked as an assistant general counsel, and operated a solo legal practice focused on criminal defense, plaintiff's litigation, and probate law. He has served as a judge on the Hamilton County Municipal Court since December 2021. Johnson lives in Hamilton County and is married with children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretative Approach: According to his campaign, Johnson said his career has been focused on "ensuring that the courthouse doors are open to everyone, regardless of background or status," and that the seat is about "guaranteeing that every litigant who stands before the court is treated with absolute impartiality, dignity, and justice."
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Johnson's campaign website states he "works collaboratively with the Hamilton County Office of Re-Entry, Hamilton County Probation Department, and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office to reduce recidivism and connect returning citizens with critical support and services," and that he is committed to "equal access to justice for every crime victim, every person accused of a crime, and every civil litigant." In his current seat, he has reduced recidivism a key priority.
Endorsements
  • Ohio Federation of Teachers
  • Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio ACT
  • Hamilton County Democratic Party
Last Updated:2026-10-19
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.