Ohio ACEP-supported incumbent Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor ran unopposed and will retain her seat for another term.
The race to replace Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger—who was ineligible to run for reelection due to Constitutional age restrictions—saw Court of Common Pleas Judge John O’Donnell facing Ohio ACEP-supported Court of Appeals Judge Pat Fischer. Judge Fischer narrowly beat Judge O’Donnell and will begin his term as Supreme Court Justice in January.
Appeals Court Judge Pat DeWine ran against Appellate Court Judge Cynthia Race to replace Justice Paul Pfeifer, who was also ineligible to run due to Constitutional age restrictions. Judge DeWine, who was supported by Ohio ACEP, won the race comfortably.
With all 99 seats of the Ohio House of Representatives up for election, there were plenty of opportunities for upset victories. However, the Republicans easily retained their majority and will gain one additional caucus member in the next General Assembly. This brings their majority to 66-33.
Half of the Ohio Senate districts were up for election in 2016. Like in the House, the GOP added to their caucus by one new member, giving Republicans a comfortable 24-9 majority in the Ohio Senate.
In what was originally expected to be a competitive election by both parties, incumbent US Senator Rob Portman easily fended off a challenge by former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.
There were no surprises in Ohio’s US Congressional races. All incumbents ran to retain their seats and each of them were successful.