Roger Bouchard, a Cincinnati attorney, is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge in the General Division in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Jennifer Branch in the nonpartisan race for the seat with a term commencing Feb. 9.

Bouchard said on Ballotpedia that he holds "a strict constructionist view of the bench," adding that he believes a judge's role is to interpret the law exactly as written by the legislature, not to allow personal political leanings to influence outcomes.

Candidate information

  • Residence: Cincinnati
  • Education: Bachelor of science in biology/environmental sciences, Xavier University (1998); juris doctor, Capital University Law School (2002), according to his Avvo attorney profile
  • High school: St. Xavier High School
  • Bar admission: Licensed in Ohio since Nov. 18, 2002, according to his Avvo profile
  • Party endorsement: Hamilton County Republican Party (nonpartisan race)

Experience and public service

Bouchard said on his Avvo profile that he is a Cincinnati native with over 23 years of legal practice, focused on criminal defense in Hamilton County and surrounding areas. He said he has served as a magistrate at Hamilton County Juvenile Court.

He also listed himself as owner of Roger P. Bouchard, Attorney at Law, LLC. He said he started the practice in 2022. He said he has been a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association since 2022.

On the issues

The following positions are Bouchard's own statements, provided through his Ballotpedia candidate response.

Judicial philosophy: Bouchard said he advocates for strict judicial restraint. He said he is concerned by what he called "legislating from the bench," where personal policy preferences or political pressures influence judicial outcomes. He said that unpredictability creates instability for families and businesses and that public trust is maintained through a predictable judiciary.

Public safety: Bouchard said he will ensure laws are upheld and that those who endanger the community are held fully responsible. He called protecting neighborhoods and families "a non-negotiable priority."

Victim advocacy: Bouchard said he is committed to a judicial process where the voices of victims are never sidelined, ensuring their experiences are heard and respected throughout legal proceedings.

Judicial fairness: Bouchard said every individual who enters his courtroom will be treated with dignity, respect and the guarantee of a fair hearing, regardless of background.

Endorsements

The Hamilton County Republican Party included Bouchard on its official 2026 judicial slate for Court of Common Pleas.

  • Hamilton County Republican Party

Editor's note: Bouchard did not respond to the Montgomery-Blue Ash Courier's candidate questionnaire. No official campaign website was identified. This profile is based on his Ballotpedia candidate responses, his Avvo attorney profile and Hamilton County Republican Party records.