Sarah Henry is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division, in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race is for the rest of an unexpired term.

Henry faces Christopher McDowell, also running as nonpartisan, according to BallotReady election data. Henry has been certified for the ballot.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing 1/3)
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Election: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Education: Juris doctor from Northern Kentucky University (2008); bachelor's degree from Loyola University of Chicago (2004)

Henry was 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 served as administrative magistrate at Hamilton County Juvenile Court since January 2023, according to her campaign website. In that role, 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.

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

Her trial experience spans Alaska, Kentucky and Ohio, including jury, bench, capital and civil matters, according to Ohio Pride PAC.

Henry serves as a board member of the Mount Washington Community Council, according to Ohio Pride PAC.

On the issues

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

Court access: Henry said she will work with fellow judges to ensure the courthouse serves the public by considering expanded hours, alternative locations and staggered dockets.

Judicial accountability: Henry said she will insist on tracking her own decisions and sentencing ranges to help inform her biases and ensure she follows the rule of law.

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

Endorsements

Henry has received endorsements from three organizations, each claimed by the endorser:

  • Hamilton County Democratic Party, according to the party's 2026 slate card
  • Ohio Pride PAC, according to Ohio Pride PAC's endorsement page
  • AFL-CIO, according to BallotReady

The Village Press sent a questionnaire to all candidates in this race. This profile is based on publicly available information and does not reflect a direct interview.