Colleen O'Donnell
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile
Insufficient Information
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Colleen O'Donnell
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
Supreme Court Justice, 2
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Miami University, Oxford, OH, B.A., Political Science, 1999-2003
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, OH, J.D., 2003-2006
WORK & MILITARY
Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Assistant Attorney General, 2006-2007
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Law Clerk, 2007-2007
Carpenter Lipps LLP, Associate, 2008-2013
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Office of the Federal Energy Advocate, Attorney, 2023-2023
United States Department of Justice, Federal Immigration Judge, 2023-2023
AFFILIATIONS
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church; Ohio Supreme Court Commission on the Certification of Attorneys as Specialists; Grandview Heights Public Library Foundation; Miami University Pre-Law Alumni Board; JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute; Case Western Reserve University School of Law Alumni; Buckeye Firearms Association; Fraternal Order of Police; Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio; Komen-Columbus and Komen Young Professionals; The Shamrock Club of Columbus; Grandview Heights Futbol Club, Assistant Coach; Upper Arlington Optimist Basketball League, Assistant Coach; National Association of Immigration Judges; The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer American Inn of Court; Columbus Bar Foundation; Thomas More Society of Columbus; Ohio Judicial Conference; Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association; Franklin County Republican Party Judicial Salute Committee
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Franklin County Common Pleas Court – General Division, Judge, 2013-2023
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Associate Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, 2025-2026
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (6)
Ohio Right to Life PAC
Ohio Value Voters
Franklin County Republican Party
Lake County Ohio Republican Party
Madison County Republican Party
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones
Ohio Value Voters
Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association (CPPA)
Madison County Republican Party
Lake County Republican Party
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (3)
State Republican Party Organizations (2025)
WinRed (2022)
Judith French (2020)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Colleen O'Donnell's 2020 Judicial Votes Count candidate questionnaire.
When asked why she is running for the court seat by Judicial Votes Count, the response for Judge O’Donnell stated her guiding principles as rule of law, respect for the separation of powers, integrity, fairness, timeliness, respect, and open-mindedness guided by the facts. Judge O’Donnell said she treats everyone fairly, follows the law, and makes important decisions with honesty, integrity, and respect for the community.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
Did not answer
Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
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RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
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Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
Did not answer
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned. Please comment on this topic.
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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
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2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
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Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
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Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
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Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
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A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
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What is the proper role of a judge?
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When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
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ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
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I voted in these primaries and general elections:
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VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
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