Republican Justice Daniel R. Hawkins is seeking a full term on the Ohio Supreme Court in the Nov. 3, 2026, election. He faces Democrat Marilyn Zayas for the term beginning Jan. 1, 2027, according to the secretary of state’s official ballot directive.
Experience and education
Hawkins was elected to the Supreme Court in November 2024. His official biography dates his service from Dec. 10, 2024, and identifies him as the court’s 164th justice.
Before joining the high court, he served on Franklin County’s Common Pleas Court and the Environmental Division of its Municipal Court. He was appointed to the environmental bench in July 2013. Earlier, he worked as a Franklin County trial prosecutor and led its Special Victims Unit, handling violence against women and children.
He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a criminal justice degree and earned his law degree at Ohio State University, according to the court.
Judicial philosophy
In his 2026 Judicial Votes Count responses, Hawkins says judges should apply the law as written rather than substitute personal views for legislative decisions. He emphasizes judicial independence, constitutional accountability and fair treatment.
He describes his earlier prosecutorial experience as preparation for evaluating complex evidence and making difficult decisions. His campaign website provides additional information.
Endorsements and questionnaire
Hawkins’s Judicial Votes Count submission lists support from the Ohio Republican Party, Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Buckeye Firearms Association PAC, among others. These endorsements are reported by the candidate. He did not return this outlet’s questionnaire.
