Christopher McDowell is running to keep his seat on the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court in the Nov. 3 General Division race. The nonpartisan contest is for the rest of an unexpired term.

McDowell faces one opponent, Sarah Henry, also running as nonpartisan, according to BallotReady election data. Both are certified for the ballot.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (term commencing Jan. 3)
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Education: J.D., West Virginia University, 1994

Experience and public service

McDowell has served as a judge on the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court since 2025, according to BallotReady profile data.

Before taking the bench, he was a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP from 2000 to at least 2025, according to the same source. BallotReady lists his tenure at the firm as running through the present, though that listing may not reflect his 2025 appointment as judge.

He began his legal career in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, serving as a military attorney in the U.S. Army from 1994 to 2000.

On the issues

McDowell did not return the Montgomery-Blue Ash Courier's candidate questionnaire. No official campaign website or verified Ballotpedia biography could be located for this candidate. His policy priorities and positions on judicial issues are not publicly available.

Endorsements

McDowell has been endorsed by the Hamilton County Republican Party, according to BallotReady, which identifies the endorsement as claimed by the endorser.

  • Hamilton County Republican Party

Voters can find their polling location and ballot details through the Hamilton County Board of Elections.