DeWine to appoint Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney to Ohio Supreme Court

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has chosen who will fill the vacant seat on the Ohio Supreme Court.

DeWine announced Thursday that Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Deters will fill the spot which is being vacated because Justice Sharon Kennedy was elected as Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.

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In a statement announcing his choice, DeWine described Deters as a “well-regarded public servant.”

“Joe Deters has the right combination of experience, legal knowledge, and passion for public service that will serve the citizens of Ohio well as an associate justice of the Ohio Supreme Court,” he said.

Deters said it was the “honor of a lifetime to accept” the appointment.

“I have spent my entire career standing up for victims and protecting the rights of criminal defendants. I appreciate the trust and responsibility that comes with this appointment and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Supreme Court to ensure Ohio’s justice system protects the rights of all Ohioans,” Deters said.

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As the longest serving Prosecuting Attorney in Hamilton County, Deters has served from 1992-1999 and 2005-present day. Prior to being elected Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney, Deters was elected Clerk of Courts for Hamilton County.

Deters served as Ohio’s Treasurer of State, winning elections for the position in 1998 and 2002.

Deters will be sworn in on January 7, 2023 to fill the unexpired term of Justice Kennedy and must run for election in 2024.