Steven Abshire 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
Republican
Steven Abshire
Steven Abshire
Background and Bio
Steve Abshire was born and raised in Montgomery County. He served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm, then earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degrees from Wright State University, followed by a law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. He began his legal career in 2000 as an assistant prosecutor at the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. Abshire later worked in private practice, including as a senior litigation attorney. He served as a juvenile court magistrate in Greene County before being appointed to the Common Pleas bench earlier this year. He lives in the Centerville area with his wife, Ashlee, a registered nurse, and their two children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretative Approach: Abshire describes his judicial approach as being focused on fairness and thoughtful judgment. He says fairness means everyone in the courtroom gets a chance to be heard, including defendants, victims, and attorneys.
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: According to campaign materials, Abshire has stated that the cost of legal representation is one of the biggest barriers to the justice system, noting that many civil litigants represent themselves. Abshire’s campaign materials highlight that he has proposed an information center and printed guides to explain how the court works without giving legal advice. He has also expressed support for the county’s specialty dockets, which serve veterans and people with substance use challenges.
Endorsements
  • Dayton Miami Valley AFL-CIO
  • Dayton Firefighters, IAFF Local 136
  • AFSCME Ohio Council 8 
  • Firebird Forum Kettering logo
  • Firebird Forum Kettering
  • Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodges 44, 104, 117 and 161
Background and Bio
Steve Abshire was born and raised in Montgomery County. He served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm, then earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degrees from Wright State University, followed by a law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. He began his legal career in 2000 as an assistant prosecutor at the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. Abshire later worked in private practice, including as a senior litigation attorney. He served as a juvenile court magistrate in Greene County before being appointed to the Common Pleas bench earlier this year. He lives in the Centerville area with his wife, Ashlee, a registered nurse, and their two children.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Judicial Philosophy and Interpretative Approach: Abshire describes his judicial approach as being focused on fairness and thoughtful judgment. He says fairness means everyone in the courtroom gets a chance to be heard, including defendants, victims, and attorneys.
  • Criminal Justice and Public Safety: According to campaign materials, Abshire has stated that the cost of legal representation is one of the biggest barriers to the justice system, noting that many civil litigants represent themselves. Abshire’s campaign materials highlight that he has proposed an information center and printed guides to explain how the court works without giving legal advice. He has also expressed support for the county’s specialty dockets, which serve veterans and people with substance use challenges.
Endorsements
  • Dayton Miami Valley AFL-CIO
  • Dayton Firefighters, IAFF Local 136
  • AFSCME Ohio Council 8 
  • Firebird Forum Kettering logo
  • Firebird Forum Kettering
  • Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodges 44, 104, 117 and 161
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.