Kari L. Bloom is on the Ohio Voter Guide

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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:

Incumbent
Democrat
Kari L. Bloom
Kari L. Bloom
Background and Bio
Kari L. Bloom earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Bowling Green State University and her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She began her career as a contract negotiator for the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. She later worked at the Children’s Law Center and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender, where she was a legislative liaison and parole attorney, and at the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. She has served on several statewide justice commissions, including the Ohio Supreme Court Sentencing Commission. Bloom was elected to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court in 2020, took office in February 2021, and has been the court’s administrative judge since January 2023. She lives in Cincinnati, is married, and has two children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretive Approach: According to Bloom’s campaign, her work focuses on systemic court reforms, community partnerships, and a trauma-informed approach to juvenile justice. Bloom's campaign states that she has committed herself to "the pursuit of accountability and opportunity for everyone — focusing on public safety, due process, and long-term stability for youth." Her campaign website says she "believes in following data to stop the revolving door of justice."
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Bloom opposes “tough-on-crime” legislation and is a proponent of community-led initiatives and programming meant to reduce recidivism. Her campaign has highlighted her work partnering with families and community stakeholders to strengthen and improve systems, reduce recidivism, and create pathways for success.
Endorsements
  • Hamilton County Democratic Party
  • Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio ACT
  • Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus
  • Ohio Working Families Party
  • AFL-CIO (Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council)
  • AFSCME (Ohio Council 8)
  • Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen – Ohio State Legislative Board
  • Cincinnati Building Trades Unions
  • Cincinnati Federation of Teachers
  • Equality Cincinnati
  • Hamilton County Young Democrats
  • IBEW Local 212
  • National Association of Social Workers (Ohio Chapter)
  • Sentinel Police Association
  • Sheet Metal Workers Local 265
  • Southwestern Ohio Young Black Democrats
  • UFCW Local 75
Background and Bio
Kari L. Bloom earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Bowling Green State University and her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She began her career as a contract negotiator for the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. She later worked at the Children’s Law Center and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender, where she was a legislative liaison and parole attorney, and at the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. She has served on several statewide justice commissions, including the Ohio Supreme Court Sentencing Commission. Bloom was elected to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court in 2020, took office in February 2021, and has been the court’s administrative judge since January 2023. She lives in Cincinnati, is married, and has two children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretive Approach: According to Bloom’s campaign, her work focuses on systemic court reforms, community partnerships, and a trauma-informed approach to juvenile justice. Bloom's campaign states that she has committed herself to "the pursuit of accountability and opportunity for everyone — focusing on public safety, due process, and long-term stability for youth." Her campaign website says she "believes in following data to stop the revolving door of justice."
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: Bloom opposes “tough-on-crime” legislation and is a proponent of community-led initiatives and programming meant to reduce recidivism. Her campaign has highlighted her work partnering with families and community stakeholders to strengthen and improve systems, reduce recidivism, and create pathways for success.
Endorsements
  • Hamilton County Democratic Party
  • Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio ACT
  • Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus
  • Ohio Working Families Party
  • AFL-CIO (Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council)
  • AFSCME (Ohio Council 8)
  • Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen – Ohio State Legislative Board
  • Cincinnati Building Trades Unions
  • Cincinnati Federation of Teachers
  • Equality Cincinnati
  • Hamilton County Young Democrats
  • IBEW Local 212
  • National Association of Social Workers (Ohio Chapter)
  • Sentinel Police Association
  • Sheet Metal Workers Local 265
  • Southwestern Ohio Young Black Democrats
  • UFCW Local 75
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.