After 2,500 arguments and 24 years in statewide office, Maureen O'Connor takes a bow
Correction: An earlier version incorrectly listed which justice position will be filled by an appointment from Gov. Mike DeWine.
Despite calls by some Republican lawmakers for her impeachment, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor has her fans.
After hearing her last oral argument, more than 100 current staffers and justices gave O'Connor an impromptu "clap out" as she strolled down the grand concourse of the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center. She soaked up the tribute, brushing away a tear and waving to her colleagues.
It marked a milestone for O'Connor, who has served in statewide elected office longer than any woman in Ohio history. She served as lieutenant governor and then joined the court 20 years ago. She became the first female chief justice in Ohio 12 years ago.
The Ohio Constitution says no one may run for judicial office after reaching age 70 so O'Connor was blocked from seeking reelection.
O'Connor used the occasion to thank court staff – from grounds keepers and mail room workers to marshals and attorneys – and give a shout out to the Ohio Channel for livestreaming arguments since 2002, allowing 7 million people to view justice in the open.
During her time on the court, O'Connor, a Republican, heard more than 2,500 oral arguments and written 421 majority opinions and 77 dissents. She said nearly 100 cases have yet to be decided before her term ends Dec. 31.
She also used her position to push for reforms and systemic improvements on issues such as capital punishment, criminal sentencing data collection, transparency, wrongful convictions and bail reform.
O'Connor drew the ire of some Republicans when she sided with three Democrats on the court to rule the 2022 congressional and Ohio legislative district maps unconstitutional. That prompted some lawmakers to call for her removal.
Election 2022: Who is running for Ohio Supreme Court chief justice? Two justices face off
The balance of the court hinges on the outcome of three races this fall. Republican Justice Sharon Kennedy and Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner are running for chief justice. Gov. Mike DeWine, who is a Republican, will fill select someone to fill either Brunner or Kennedy's position, depending on who wins.
Republican Justices Pat Fischer and Pat DeWine, the governor's son, are running for reelection against appellate judges Teri Jamison and Marilyn Zayas. A win by either woman would mean Democrats will hold a majority on the court for the first time in more than 35 years.
Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Republican Maureen O'Connor leaves the Ohio Supreme Court on Dec 31
