Sarah Henry seeks Hamilton County Common Pleas judgeship

Sarah Henry is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge in the General Division, seeking the rest of an unexpired term on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. The race is nonpartisan. Her opponent is Christopher McDowell.

On her campaign website, Henry says she wants to make the courthouse more accessible and insist on tracking her own decisions and sentencing ranges.

Candidate information

Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing 1/3), for the rest of an unexpired term
Party: Nonpartisan
Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
Education: juris doctor, Northern Kentucky University (2008); bachelor's degree, Loyola University of Chicago (2004)
Background: Born on a Navy base and raised in Cincinnati by a Navy officer and two educators, according to Ohio Pride PAC

Experience and public service

Henry has trial experience in Alaska, Kentucky and Ohio, including jury, bench, capital and civil matters, according to Ohio Pride PAC.

As administrative magistrate of the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, she presides over two dockets, oversees the court's mediation program and launched explainer videos so families walk into court knowing what to expect, according to Ohio Pride PAC. Henry has held the position since January 2023, according to her campaign website.

Before joining the juvenile court, Henry worked as an attorney at the Children's Law Center and at Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati, where she helped organize the union, according to Ohio Pride PAC. She also served as a public defender. She is a board member of the Mount Washington Community Council.

On the issues

Henry outlined three priorities on her campaign website. All positions below are the candidate's own statements.

Court access and public service: Henry wrote on her campaign website that she will work with fellow judges to ensure the courthouse serves the public by considering expansion of hours, alternative locations and staggering dockets.

Judicial accountability: Henry wrote that she will insist on tracking her decisions and sentencing ranges to help inform her biases and ensure she is following the rule of law.

Equal treatment: Henry wrote that regardless of someone's background, she will treat them with dignity and respect, and that everyone in her courtroom will be treated equally and given the opportunity to seek justice.