Ralph (Ted) Winkler is seeking reelection to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
The Board of Elections’ Oct. 16 certified list identifies Winkler and Elizabeth A. Tye as the candidates for the term beginning Feb. 9, 2027. The list records Winkler’s Republican affiliation and Tye’s Democratic affiliation.
Experience
According to his official court biography, Winkler has served as probate judge since 2015. He previously served on Hamilton County Municipal Court beginning in 1999 and in the Common Pleas General Division from 2004 to 2015.
The biography lists a University of Cincinnati business administration degree in 1983 and a Northern Kentucky University Chase law degree in 1987. Before becoming a judge, he worked as an assistant prosecutor and in private probate practice.
Court work and public service
Winkler’s court biography emphasizes access to justice with dignity and respect. It describes his involvement with Wills for First Responders, providing free estate-planning documents, and the Good Deeds Program, which he helped bring to Hamilton County with Recorder Scott Crowley in 2023 to explain property-transfer and probate issues.
The biography also lists the 2015 Golden Gavel Award, 2008 Trial Judge of the Year recognition and his service with Melanoma Know More.
Editor’s note: Winkler did not return the outlet’s candidate questionnaire. This profile uses official election records and his court biography.
