Attorney Elizabeth A. Tye is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge in the Probate Division in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Ralph Winkler, whom Cincinnati CityBeat identified as the incumbent.

The race is nonpartisan.

According to her campaign website, Tye said she has spent decades practicing probate law "alongside families, not just observing it from the bench." She said her campaign centers on making probate court more accessible and inclusive for Hamilton County residents.

Candidate information

  • Name: Elizabeth A. Tye
  • Race: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, Probate Division (Term Commencing 2/9)
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026

Experience and public service

Tye has operated the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Tye since 2007, with a focus on probate law, according to her campaign website.

On the issues

Tye's campaign website outlines three priorities for the probate court. All positions below are the candidate's own statements.

Probate court accessibility: Tye said probate court should guide families through difficult moments rather than create additional barriers. She said an accessible court builds trust and ensures justice works for the people it serves.

Fairness and inclusion: Tye said courts must be accessible, inclusive and understandable for everyone. She said families deserve to be heard and treated with respect regardless of income, background or ability.

Geographic accessibility: Tye said she is committed to serving all of Hamilton County, including the urban core and surrounding communities. She said access to probate court should not depend on where a family lives or their ability to travel downtown. Tye said she supports exploring ways to make the court more accessible while maintaining efficiency and integrity.

Endorsements

Tye has received the following endorsements, according to BallotReady:

  • AFL-CIO
  • Hamilton County Democratic Party

Editor's note: This candidate has not responded to the Montgomery-Blue Ash Courier's questionnaire. This profile is based on publicly available information. The Courier applies the same standards to all candidates in this race.