Susan Luken, a magistrate at Hamilton County Probate Court, is running for a seat on the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court bench in the Juvenile Division. The nonpartisan race appears on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot.

Kari L. Bloom is also certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

  • Name: Susan Luken
  • Race: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, Juvenile Division (Term Commencing Feb. 14)
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Cincinnati; J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law (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
  • Personal: Born and raised in Cincinnati in a working-class family, according to the Hamilton County Probate Court website. Selected for Law Review at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Experience and public service

Luken has spent most of her legal career inside Hamilton County's court system, according to the Hamilton County Probate Court website:

  • 2006–2011: Law clerk, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division
  • 2011–2012: Magistrate, Hamilton County Juvenile Court
  • 2012–2021: Assistant court administrator, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, General Division
  • 2021–2023: Magistrate, Hamilton County Juvenile Court
  • 2023–present: Magistrate and assistant court administrator, Hamilton County Probate Court

Luken also worked in commercial litigation at Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, according to BallotReady profile data. No dates were listed for that role.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Luken's campaign website and reflect the candidate's own statements.

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 the opportunity to grow in a healthy environment. Luken said delays in case processing and indecision can compound the trauma children have already experienced.

Juvenile justice and accountability: Luken said 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. She said dispositions should reflect the seriousness of the offense and its impact on victims and the community.

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 would support evidence-based programs and strong partnerships with law enforcement, schools, children's services and community organizations.

Endorsements

The following endorsement was claimed by the endorsing organization, according to the Hamilton County Republican Party's announcement of its 2026 judicial slate:

  • Hamilton County Republican Party

Candidate issue responses were drawn from Susan Luken's campaign website. Biographical information was drawn from the Hamilton County Probate Court website and BallotReady.