CORRECTION: Clarifying Ohio’s Rules for Judicial Candidates

An article discussing the judicial race between Sarah Warren and Miranda Warren incorrectly characterized provisions of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct regarding political endorsements and party affiliation.

The article stated that Rule 4.2 prohibits judicial candidates from seeking, accepting, or using endorsements from individuals or organizations. It also stated that judicial candidates are prohibited from advertising their political party affiliation.

Those statements were incorrect.

Rule 4.2(C)(5) of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct expressly permits judicial candidates to seek, accept, or use endorsements from individuals or organizations.

Additionally, Rule 4.2(C)(6) permits judicial candidates to state, either in person or in campaign advertising, that they are members of, affiliated with, nominated by, or endorsed by a political party.

The article cited endorsements of Sarah Warren by Logan County Sheriff Randall Dodds and Russells Point Police Chief Josef Freyhof, as well as campaign materials identifying her Republican Party affiliation, as examples of conduct prohibited by the judicial code.

The cited endorsements and party affiliation, by themselves, do not constitute violations of Rule 4.2. The endorsement from Josef Freyhof is strictly a personal endorsement and does not reflect the views of Russells Point Police.

The original article failed to distinguish between activities prohibited under Rule 4.2(B) and those expressly permitted under Rule 4.2(C).

The Chronicle believes accuracy is essential, particularly when reporting on candidates for public office. We regret the error and any confusion it may have caused readers regarding Ohio’s judicial election rules.

Revised article link below: