On March 19, 2024, Ohio held Democratic and Republican primary elections for three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court, currently held by Justices Michael P. Donnelly, Melody Stewart, and Joseph Deters, whose terms expire on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Justice Donnelly, advancing from the Democratic primary, will face Megan E. Shanahan in the general election on November 5, 2024. Justices Stewart and Deters, having won their respective primaries, will compete against each other in the general election. Additionally, Lisa Forbes defeated Terri Jamison in the Democratic primary and will challenge Dan Hawkins in the general election.
On November 5, 2024, Dan Hawkins defeated Lisa Forbes, Megan Shanahan defeated Michael Donnelly, and Joseph Deters defeated Melody Stewart.
Estimated Total TV Spending: $1,288,090
Candidates:
Estimated spending by Donnelly, Michael, Stewart, Melody, & Forbes: $397,950
Estimated spending by Joseph Deters: $279,170
Estimated spending by Dan Hawkins: $150,160
Estimated spending by Megan Shanahan: $52,960
Estimated spending by Michael Donnelly: $27,530
Outside groups:
Estimated spending by FRECKA PAC: $189,460
Estimated spending by Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund: $120,370
Estimated spending by Ohio Republican State Leadership Committee – Judicial Fairness Initiative: $73,250
Estimated spending by Ohioans for Justice & Integrity: $240
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October 29 – LAUREN
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “All we won could be lost if justices loyal to anti-choice extremists control the supreme court and overturn the will of the people.”
Sponsor: Michael Donnelly
Estimated Spending: $27,530
October 27 – DANGEROUS CRIMINALS 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Megan Shanahan protects our families.”
Sponsor: FECKA PAC
Estimated Spending: $10,000
October 24 – BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Melody Stewart, Michael Donnelly, and Lisa Forbes believe it should be illegal for judges to consider our safety when setting bail, putting murderers, rapists, and child molesters back on the street.”
Sponsor: Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund
Estimated Spending: $40,480
October 24 – TOUGH ON CRIME 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Meet Megan Shanahan, a tough on crime, former prosecutor who put hundreds of criminals in prison.”
Sponsor: Megan Shanahan
Estimated Spending: $52,960
October 24 – BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Melody Stewart, Michael Donnelly, and Lisa Forbes believe it should be illegal for judges to consider our safety when setting bail, putting criminals back on the street.”
Sponsor: Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund
Estimated Spending: $20,090
October 21 – UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “When the unthinkable happens, Dan Hawkins delivers justice.”
Sponsor: Dan Hawkins
Estimated Spending: $101,110
October 21 – THE NAME OHIO TRUSTS 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Dan Hawkins: dedicated prosecutor and judge delivering justice for victims, keeping communities strong.”
Sponsor: Dan Hawkins
Estimated Spending: $49,050
October 20 – DELIVERS JUSTICE 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Conservative leadership for Ohio Supreme Court: Dan Hawkins.”
Sponsor: FRECKA PAC
Estimated Spending: $26,530
October 18 – JUSTICE JOE 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “As a crime-fighting prosecutor, Joe Deters sent criminals to jail. As Ohio Supreme Court justice, Joe Deters upholds the rule of law.”
Sponsor: FRECKA PAC
Estimated Spending: $25,770
October 15 – LAW AND ORDER
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Deters, Shanahan, and Hawkins: Ohio’s crime-fighting champions for law and order.”
Sponsor: FRECKA PAC
Estimated Spending: $127,160
October 15 – HEADLINES
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Protect your rights, protect your freedoms, protect your choices.”
Sponsor: Donnelly, Michael, Stewart, Melody, & Forbes
Estimated Spending: $207,480
October 15 – EXTREMIST
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Extremist judges put Ohio at risk, threatening our freedom and access to abortion.”
Sponsor: Donnelly, Michael, Stewart, Melody, & Forbes
Estimated Spending: $190,470
October 14 – WRONG NOTES 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Meet Joe Deters: Ohio’s toughest prosecutor, holding violent offenders accountable.”
Sponsor: Joseph Deters
Estimated Spending: $65,640
October 12 – IMAGINE A WORLD
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Liberal judges running for Ohio Supreme Court said public safety is not. a consideration.”
Sponsor: Ohio Republican State Leadership Committee – Judicial Fairness Initiative
Estimated Spending: $42,870
October 9 – WE AREN’T SAFE 15
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “With Melody Stewart, Michael Donnelly, and Lisa Forbes, we aren’t safe .”
Sponsor: Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund
Estimated Spending: $21,430
October 9 – STRONG JUDGES
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Wide open borders, petty theft, violent crime; don’t you wish someone would just enforce the law? That’s why we need Conservative Republicans Dieters, Hawkins, and Shanahan on the Ohio Supreme Court.”
Sponsor: Ohio Republican State Leadership Committee – Judicial Fairness Initiative
Estimated Spending: $30,380
October 9 - WE AREN’T SAFE
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Melody Stewart, Michael Donnelly, and Lisa Forbes: with these three radicals, criminals are let loose and we aren’t safe.”
Sponsor: Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund
Estimated Spending: $38,370
October 8 – WRONG NOTES
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Melody Stewart voted with her liberal friends saying judges cannot consider public safety when setting bail, making Ohio a dangerous place.”
Sponsor: Joseph Deters
Estimated Spending: $213,530
January 11 - RIGHT TO CHOOSE
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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Republicans aren’t tough on crime, they’re tough on victims.”
Sponsor: Ohioans for Justice & Integrity
Estimated Spending: $240
