Katie Casch, a Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge, is running in the Nov. 3 general election to keep her General Division seat. Donte Johnson is also running in the nonpartisan race.

Asked why she is seeking the office, Casch said in our questionnaire: "I am a current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge. I will continue to work hard to keep Hamilton County safe."

Candidate information

Party: Judicial races are nonpartisan.

Education: "University of Cincinnati, College of Law, J.D. … University of Cincinnati, B.A.," Casch said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I am married to my husband and we have two children," Casch said.

Family in politics or government: "No," Casch said.

Endorsements: Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 48; Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge No. 69, according to her campaign website.

Experience and public service

Elected office: "Common Pleas Court Judge- Elected 2024," Casch said in our questionnaire.

Asked about her occupation and work history, Casch said: "Common Pleas Court Judge- As a Common Pleas Court Judge, I preside over felony criminal and civil cases. I am also certified by the Ohio Supreme Court as a specialty docket judge and preside over a felony Mental Health Court. … Former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor- As an Assistant Prosecutor for over ten years, I prosecuted thousands of cases including felonious assaults, robberies, and murders."

Asked what accomplishments she would cite as evidence she can handle the job, Casch said: "As an Assistant Prosecutor, I fought for the most vulnerable members of our society. I represented Hamilton County Job and Family Services in cases involving abused and neglected children. I took it upon myself to prosecute all animal abuse and neglect cases in Municipal Court. In Common Pleas Court, I prosecuted the most serious crimes against victims including domestic violence, robberies, rapes, and murders. Together, I have prosecuted thousands of cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to the most serious felonies."

Casch added: "For my work as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I received the PLEDGE (Promoting Lawyer Excellence & Driving Gender Equality) award from the Federal Bar Association. This award recognizes women in the legal profession who have demonstrated exceptional legal talent."

On the issues

What sets her apart: Asked about the critical differences between herself and other candidates, Casch said: "I am a current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge and a former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor. I have practiced both criminal and civil law and handled thousands of cases."

Mental health court: Asked what she has learned about what works for defendants with mental illness, Casch said: "Treatment and accountability are essential to public safety. When defendants receive consistent mental health care, clear expectations, and meaningful supervision, they have a better chance of changing their behavior and staying out of the criminal justice system. Addressing the underlying issues while holding people accountable helps protect our communities."

Bond decisions: Asked how she decides bond in cases involving violent charges, Casch said: "The Ohio Constitution mandates that judges consider public safety when setting bail. As a judge, I follow the Constitution when setting bail to protect Hamilton County."