Susan Luken seeks Hamilton County juvenile court judge seat

Susan Luken is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge in the Juvenile Division in the Nov. 3 general election.

The nonpartisan race also includes Kari L. Bloom.

Luken, a Cincinnati native, serves as a magistrate and assistant court administrator at Hamilton County Probate Court, according to the Hamilton County Probate Court. She said on her campaign website that she would "enforce the law fairly, hold offenders accountable, support victims, and help young people return to the right path before mistakes become lifelong patterns."

Candidate information

Party: Nonpartisan
Residence: Cincinnati (born and raised)
Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Cincinnati; juris doctor, University of Cincinnati (2002)
Bar admissions: Ohio Bar; United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Professional memberships: Ohio Magistrates Association, Ohio Association for Court Administration, Cincinnati Bar Association
Law school honors: Selected for Law Review at the University of Cincinnati College of Law

Experience and public service

Luken has spent most of her legal career in Hamilton County courts, according to court and election records:

Commercial litigation attorney at Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
Law clerk, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division (2006–2011)
Magistrate, Hamilton County Juvenile Court (2011–2012)
Assistant court administrator, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division (2012–2021)
Magistrate, Hamilton County Juvenile Court (2021–2023)
Magistrate and assistant court administrator, Hamilton County Probate Court (2023–present)

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Luken's campaign website responses.

Child protection: Luken said juvenile court "plays a critical role in protecting children who have been abused or neglected." She said every child deserves a safe, stable home and that delays in case processing "can compound the trauma children have already experienced."

Juvenile justice and accountability: Luken said dispositions should reflect the seriousness of an offense and its impact on victims and the community. She said she wants to help young people change course before minor offenses define their futures.

Judicial integrity and court reform: Luken said she would "administer justice impartially and consistently, set clear expectations, and ensure that victims have a voice." She said she supports evidence-based programs and partnerships with law enforcement, schools, children's services and community organizations.