Two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court were up for election on November 3, 2020. Ohio Supreme Court justices run in partisan primaries and the top vote-getter for each party advances to the general election in which they appear on the ballot without their party affiliation. All the candidates in this year’s primary election on March 28 ran unopposed. In the general election, incumbent Justice Judith French (R) was challenged by Court of Appeals Judge, and former Democratic Secretary of State, Jennifer L. Brunner. Incumbent Justice Sharon L. Kennedy (R) is being challenged by Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge John P. O’Donnell (D). Brunner ultimately unseated French and Kennedy retained her seat.
Kantar Media/CMAG: Estimated Total TV Spending: $2,575,100*
- Estimated spending by Jennifer Brunner: $317,970
- Estimated spending by Judi French: $626,560
- Estimated spending by Sharon Kennedy: $934,600
- Estimated spending by John O’Donnell: $314,330
- Estimated spending by Ohio Democratic Party: $86,530
- Estimated spending by the Republican State Leadership Committee: $295,110
*Spending figures last updated November 10, 2020
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September 28 – A Fifteen-Year-Old Girl
In this ad, John O’Donnell says “a 15-year-old girl was raped repeatedly by her pastor” and says that his opponent Justice Kennedy reduced the verdict given to her. He then asks, “does that sound right to you?”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $77,060
September 28 – Every Day I Put On
In this ad, John O’Donnell says that “every day I put on my robe, I stand tall for Ohio families against special interest groups”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $29,510
September 28 – I Became a Judge
In this ad, John O’Donnell says “I became a judge because I wanted to protect families. I’m running for the Ohio Supreme Court because the stakes have never been higher.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $26,680
September 28 – If You Elect Me
In this ad, John O’Donnell says “if you elect me to the Ohio Supreme Court, then, for the first time in 30 years, our state’s highest court will be in the hands of the people.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $46,700
September 28 – Many OH Families
In this ad, John O’Donnell says “our current Supreme Court seems like they just don’t care. Believe me, when I’m on the Ohio Supreme Court, they will care.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $30,860
September 28 – Our Right to Vote
In this ad, John O’Donnell says that “our right to vote is sacred.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $27,110
September 28 – The OH Supreme Court
In this ad, John O’Donnell says that “the Ohio Supreme Court can’t be like a country club that slams its doors in the faces of the powerless and the most vulnerable.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $31,350
September 28 – We Have Something in Common
In this ad, John O’Donnell says “we have something in common. Nothing is more important than our families.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $16,670
September 28 – You Know What
In this ad, John O’Donnell says “You know what, this election is for the soul of Ohio. We can’t let special interest groups run the show.”
Sponsor: John O’Donnell
Estimated Spending: $28,340
September 30 – The Call to Serve
This ad says that “on the Ohio Supreme Court, Sharon Kennedy applies the law equally.”
Sponsor: Sharon Kennedy
Estimated Spending: $119,820
September 30 – The Call to Serve 15
This ad says that “on the Ohio Supreme Court, Sharon Kennedy applies the law equally.”
Sponsor: Sharon Kennedy
Estimated Spending: $155,120
September 30 – Throughout Her Career
This ad says that “throughout her career, Justice Sharon Kennedy’s been a source of compassion and comfort for Ohio families. From Kenney’s past work with troubled youth, to her days as a police officer.”
Sponsor: Sharon Kennedy
Estimated Spending: $436,230
September 30 – A Source of Compassion
This ad says that “Justice Sharon Kennedy [is] a source of compassion for Ohio families” and that “on the Ohio Supreme Court works closely with our veterans.”
Sponsor: Sharon Kennedy
Estimated Spending: $219,780
October 6 – First Job Was at McDonalds
This ad says that “Judi French’s first job was at McDonalds where she learned the value of hard work… Those values haven’t changed. It’s how Judi French proved herself first as a tough on crime lawyer and now as a well-respected supreme court justice.”
Sponsor: Judi French
Estimated Spending: $521,400
October 6 – First Job Was at McDonalds 15
This ad says that “Judi French’s first job was at McDonalds where she learned the value of hard work… Those values haven’t changed. It’s how Judi French proved herself first as a tough on crime lawyer and now as a well-respected supreme court justice.”
Sponsor: Judi French
Estimated Spending: $105,160
October 15 – Comfort and Compassion
This ad says that “Justice Sharon Kennedy [is] a source of compassion for Ohio families” and that “on the Ohio Supreme Court works closely with our veterans.”
Sponsor: Sharon Kennedy
Estimated Spending: $3,650
October 16 – Sharon and Judie
This ad says that “Justices Sharon Kennedy and Judi French have strong records of making sure predators stay behind bars. But Judge Jennifer Brunner threw out evidence against a teacher who was accused of using a hidden camera to record underage girls undressing.”
Sponsor: Republican State Leadership Committee
Estimated Spending: $295,110
October 22 – I’m a Daughter
In this ad, Jennifer Brunner says that “as secretary of state, I was honored to be the only Ohioan to receive the JFK profile in courage award for protecting your right to vote. I’ll always work to protect your rights and be fiercely independent.”
Sponsor: Jennifer Brunner
Estimated Spending: $317,970
October 28 – My Pastor
This ad features a testimonial of Amanda and Jessica who were raped and goes on to say that “Justices Judi French and Sharon Kennedy let the abusers and their enablers off the hook.” It ends by asking the viewed to “vote them out.”
Sponsor: Ohio Democratic Party
Estimated Spending: $86,530
