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JUDGE OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT 1/1

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    Jodi Thomas
    (NP)

Biographical Information

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Campaign Phone 614-595-0083
Campaign Website http://judgejodithomas.com
Campaign Mailing Address 545 E. Town St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Occupation Judge
Education I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree. I received my Juris Doctorate from Capital University in 2001.
Qualifications for Office I worked as an attorney for the Franklin County Public Defender's Office for 14 years representing clients charged with criminal and traffic misdemeanors. These cases were assigned in the Franklin County Municipal Court where I currently preside as a sitting Judge since 2016.
Before becoming a Judge, I spent 14 years as an attorney for the Franklin County Public Defender's Office. I represented clients charged with criminal and traffic misdemeanors. I spent my whole career practicing in the Franklin County Municipal Court and this is where I currently preside as a Judge.

During my last five years at the Public Defender’s Office, I was assigned to the Franklin County Specialized Dockets as the lead attorney. My experience and training helped to prepare me for the work I am doing on the bench. I currently preside over two of these specialized dockets which include the h.a.r.t. Program (Helping Achieve Recovery Together), which is the opiate specific drug court. I also preside over the CATCH Program (Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing), which is the human trafficking survivor docket.

I have been recognized for my work and have received the following honors: ADAMH Attorney of the Year Mental Health Court, Excellent Service Award Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program, Rise to the Challenge Award Military and Veterans Service Program, ADAMH Attorney of the Year Opiate Extension Program/Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program, and Model of Justice Award from the Justice League of Ohio. I was also inducted into the Gahanna Lincoln Hall of Fame.
I am currently seeking re-election, and I am unopposed for this election cycle. I am incredibly fortunate that I will get to continue what I love for another six years. My goals are clear and rooted in continuing the work I have been honored to do. I am qualified for this judicial position because of my experience, proven commitment to justice, and dedication to serving the most vulnerable in our community. Since taking the bench, I have worked to uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct, earning the respect of the legal community for my objectivity, judicial temperament, legal knowledge, timeliness, fairness in sentencing, and the quality of my written opinions. My work extends beyond traditional courtroom duties. I have been actively involved in our court’s Specialized Dockets, which are designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior through accountability, treatment, and support. In 2018, I was honored to be selected by my colleagues to preside over the h.a.r.t Program (Helping Achieve Recovery Together), a drug court focused on individuals struggling with opiate addiction. I continue to lead this docket with a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. Additionally, I was entrusted with leading the CATCH Program (Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing), which supports survivors of human trafficking. I’m proud to continue this critical work and to be part of a system that helps individuals facing substance use disorders, mental health issues, trauma, and homelessness find a path forward. Through these programs, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that thoughtful, compassionate judicial leadership can have, not only in changing lives but also in promoting long-term public safety. I believe a huge part of my role as a judge extends beyond the bench. It involves stepping into the community to educate, listen, and break down the stigma often associated with the justice system. Many people do not fully understand what we do in court or why we do the things we do. This breakdown in understanding can lead to fear, mistrust, or disengagement. By being in the community including speaking at events, collaborating with local organizations, and making ourselves accessible, judges can help build public trust. I have also been fortunate to receive several awards as a Judge including, The George Meany Community Leadership Award, Social Justice Award for Legal Advocacy, and The George E. Tyack Award for Judicial Excellence.

I have been on the Franklin County Municipal Court Bench since April of 2016. I was appointed to fill a vacancy. I was elected to finish out the term in 2017. I was re-elected for a full term in 2019. I am seeking re-election for another full term this November 2025. I am unopposed for this election cycle. Besides presiding over a criminal, traffic and civil docket, I run two specialized dockets within the court. I have been presiding over the h.a.r.t Program (Helping Achieve Recovery Together), which is the opiate specific drug court since 2018. I also have been presiding over the CATCH Program (Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing), which is the human trafficking survivor docket since 2020.
I worked at the Franklin County Public Defender's in the Municipal Division from 2002 until 2016. I was appointed to be a Judge at the Franklin County Municipal Court in 2016. I was elected to finish out the term in 2017 and then re-elected in 2019 for the full term.
As of September 1st (More in the process) Local 67 Columbus International Association of Fire Fighters Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO Columbus Building and Construction Trades Council Baptist Ministerial Alliance of Columbus Vicinity
Columbus Bar Association - Highest Rating of 5