O'Donnell challenges Brunner for Ohio Supreme Court seat

Colleen T. O'Donnell, a Republican, is running for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court in the 2026 general election. She faces Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, for the seat known as Term Commencing 1/2, one of two Supreme Court seats on the ballot this cycle.

O'Donnell describes herself as a constitutional conservative running to uphold the rule of law, protect public safety and preserve a conservative majority on the court, according to her campaign website. She is the daughter of retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O'Donnell, her campaign states.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: Ohio Supreme Court Justice (Term Commencing 1/2)
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, Miami University (2003); juris doctor, Case Western Reserve University (2006)

Experience and public service

O'Donnell has held positions across state government, federal courts and private practice, according to public voter-guide profiles and election records.

Assistant attorney general, Ohio Attorney General's Office (2006–2007)
Law clerk, Northern District of Ohio (2007)
Lawyer, Carpenter Lipps & Leland LLP (2007–2013)
Common Pleas Court judge, Franklin County (elected 2013)
Attorney, Office of the Federal Energy Advocate, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (2023)
U.S. immigration judge, Laredo, Texas, Immigration Court, U.S. Department of Justice (starting August 2023)

Her appointment to the Laredo immigration court is listed in federal immigration court records. The exact timeline of her transition from the Franklin County bench to her federal roles in 2023 is not detailed in available public records.

On the issues

O'Donnell has not returned our candidate questionnaire. Her campaign website states she is running as a constitutional conservative focused on the rule of law and public safety. No additional policy positions were available.

Endorsements

O'Donnell has received endorsements from law enforcement groups, county Republican parties and advocacy organizations, according to public voter-guide profiles and election records: