Katie Casch, a Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge, is running for the General Division bench in the Nov. 3 general election. Donte Johnson is also running in the nonpartisan race.

Asked why she is seeking the seat, Casch said in our questionnaire, "I am a current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge. I will continue to work hard to keep Hamilton County safe."

Candidate information

Party: Judicial races are nonpartisan.

Education: "University of Cincinnati, College of Law, J.D. University of Cincinnati, B.A.," Casch said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I am married to my husband and we have two children," Casch said in our questionnaire.

Endorsements: Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 48; Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge No. 69, according to her campaign website.

Experience and public service

Elected office: "Common Pleas Court Judge- Elected 2024," Casch said in our questionnaire.

Occupation and work history: Casch said in our questionnaire, "Common Pleas Court Judge- As a Common Pleas Court Judge, I preside over felony criminal and civil cases. I am also certified by the Ohio Supreme Court as a specialty docket judge and preside over a felony Mental Health Court. Former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor- As an Assistant Prosecutor for over ten years, I prosecuted thousands of cases including felonious assaults, robberies, and murders."

On the issues

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

"I am a current Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge and a former Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor. I have practiced both criminal and civil law and handled thousands of cases," Casch said in our questionnaire.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

"As an Assistant Prosecutor, I fought for the most vulnerable members of our society. I represented Hamilton County Job and Family Services in cases involving abused and neglected children. I took it upon myself to prosecute all animal abuse and neglect cases in Municipal Court," Casch said in our questionnaire. "In Common Pleas Court, I prosecuted the most serious crimes against victims including domestic violence, robberies, rapes, and murders … For my work as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I received the PLEDGE (Promoting Lawyer Excellence & Driving Gender Equality) award from the Federal Bar Association. This award recognizes women in the legal profession who have demonstrated exceptional legal talent."

You preside over a felony mental health court. What have you learned about what works for defendants with mental illness?

"Treatment and accountability are essential to public safety," Casch said in our questionnaire. "When defendants receive consistent mental health care, clear expectations, and meaningful supervision, they have a better chance of changing their behavior and staying out of the criminal justice system. Addressing the underlying issues while holding people accountable helps protect our communities."

How do you decide bond in cases involving violent charges?

"The Ohio Constitution mandates that judges consider public safety when setting bail. As a judge, I follow the Constitution when setting bail to protect Hamilton County," Casch said in our questionnaire.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

"No," Casch said in our questionnaire.