What Are the Rules?
A Judicial Candidate’s Honest Answers.

I’ve learned that most voters have never heard of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct.

Why would you? You’re not judges.

But here’s the thing: those rules bind me tightly during this campaign. So when you ask me about a local controversy or a pending case and I say, “I can’t speak to that,” I’m not being a slick politician. I’m obeying the law.

Let me show you the rules. Then you’ll understand why I answer the way I do.

FAQ 1: Can you promise to be “tough on crime” or “pro-family”?

No. Rule 4.1 of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judicial candidates from making any statement or comment that would reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of a matter that is known to be pending in any court in the United States. More importantly, we cannot make any statement in connection with cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court. We cannot make pledges, promises, or commitments that would be inconsistent with being impartial.

That means I cannot tell you how I would rule on a hypothetical case. I can only tell you that I will follow the law.

FAQ 2: Are you a Republican or Democrat?

Neither. I am running as an Independent. Under Rule 4.2, judicial candidates are not allowed to hold a political party office, make speeches on behalf of a political party, publicly endorse or oppose another candidate, or raise funds for a political party. I take all of those restrictions seriously.

FAQ 3: Can you comment on a case that’s in the news right now in Adams County?

No. If a case is pending in any court in the United States—not just Adams County—I cannot make any statement that would reasonably be expected to affect its outcome. If a controversy is likely to come before my court, I cannot make pledges or promises about it. This is not me dodging the question. This is Rule 4.1.

FAQ 4: Then what can you talk about?

I can talk about:

My qualifications (education, bar admissions, years of practice).
My experience (teacher, foster parent, Guardian ad Litem, mediator, EYES program director, solicitor).
My lifelong residency in Adams County.
The rules that bind me—which I am explaining to you here.
The fact that I completed my mandatory Judicial Candidate Training on March 18, 2026, as required by Rule 4.2(A)(4).

FAQ 5: Did you really have to go to a campaign seminar?

Yes. Rule 4.2(A)(4) of the Code of Judicial Conduct requires all judicial candidates, including incumbent judges, who are seeking election in 2026 to attend a campaign practices seminar. We must attend no more than one year prior to and no later than 60 days after certification of candidacy by the county board of elections. I attended on March 18, 2026, well ahead of the deadline.

FAQ 6: Why do judges have so many rules about campaigning?

Here is the actual text from the Comment section of Canon 4 of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct:

“Though subject to public election, a judge plays a role different from that of a legislator or executive branch official. Rather than making decisions based upon the expressed views or preferences of the electorate, a judge makes decisions based upon the law and the facts of each case. Therefore, in furtherance of this interest, judges and judicial candidates must, to the greatest extent possible, be free and appear to be free from political influence and political pressure.”

That’s the whole point. I am running to be a judge, not a politician. These rules help me stay that way.

FAQ 7: How does donating to a judicial campaign even work? Isn't that... weird?

Short answer:

It's legal, it's regulated, and I have to follow stricter rules than any other candidate in Adams County. You should know exactly what those rules are before you decide to give.

Long answer (the rules I follow):

Yes, judicial candidates in Ohio accept campaign donations. But unlike a state representative or county commissioner, I cannot take money from political parties, and I cannot make promises to donors about how I would rule on a case.

Here is what the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct requires of me and my campaign treasurer, Anita:

1. Donation limits are low and hard caps.

Donor Type/Maximum per Election:

Individual $800

Business / Organization $5,000

Political Party $82,400 (but I cannot accept this as an Independent)

That $800 per person limit means no single donor can ever own my attention. I am not chasing large checks from out-of-county PACs. I am asking Adams County residents for small, legal donations.

2. I cannot accept donations from certain sources at all.

Under Ohio law and judicial conduct rules, I cannot take money from:

Political parties or partisan campaign committees.
Foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status.
Corporations or labor unions using general treasury funds (though their PACs may donate within limits).
Anonymous donors. Every single contribution over $50 requires me to report your name, address, occupation, and employer.

3. I cannot promise you anything in return for a donation.

This is the most important rule, and it comes straight from Rule 4.1 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

If you donate $50 or $800, I cannot promise you:

How I would rule on a pending case.
How I would rule on a controversy likely to come before my court.
That I will be "tough on crime" or "pro-family" in a specific way.
Any special access or influence.

What I can promise every donor—and every non-donor, because you don't have to donate to get my attention—is that I will follow the law, show up prepared, and treat everyone in my courtroom with dignity.

4. All donations are public record.

Ohio law requires me to report every contribution over $50 to the appropriate elections commission. That includes your name, address, occupation, and employer. If that makes you uncomfortable, I understand completely. Do not donate. Your vote is just as important as anyone's check.

5. My treasurer, Anita, is trained and careful.

Anita is very familiar with Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle. She will provide a receipt for every contribution and maintain records exactly as Ohio law requires. If you donate electronically, please include your full name, address, occupation, and employer in the memo line or a follow-up message so we can stay compliant.

The bottom line for you, the voter:

You are allowed to donate to my campaign. You are not buying a judge. You are helping a lifelong Adams County resident afford yard signs, website hosting, and the gas to drive to bean suppers and cake auctions. That's all.

And if you cannot donate—or do not want to—you are still my constituent. I will serve you exactly as faithfully as someone who gave $800.

What Are the Rules? A Judicial Candidate’s Honest Answers.