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In the race for Judge Cheryl R. Waite's seat on the Seventh District Court of Appeals, Seventh District Judge Mark Hanni, a Republican, defeated his Democratic opponent, Katherine Rudzik. At deadline, Hanni was leading by a 57% to 43% margin across the eight counties that court serves, although Rudzik was winning Mahoning County by a 55% to 45% margin.
The Seventh District covers Mahoning, Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe and Noble counties.
Hanni's victory means he will extend his tenure on the panel. Ohio's age limit laws meant that Hanni would have had to retire when his current term ends in 2028. Instead, he will sit on the appellate bench until 2030.
"I'm very blessed to get elected, I worked hard, I had a radio talk show in Bellaire that reached all the way up to Columbiana County, and I believe it was a big help," Hanni said. "The local paper and Dave Skolnick always try to undermine me, but I think people have wised up."
He praised his opponent as well.
"I have to congratulate Katherine, she ran a good race, she got in late but it is a lot to run for any office and I applaud anyone who runs, because it's a service they provide the community and it's not a pleasant thing because of the negativity in both parties."
Unofficial results also show Republican Mark DeVicchio besting Democrat Terry Grenga in the race for Mahoning County Domestic Relations Judge. Judge Beth A. Smith also is prohibited from continuing under Ohio's age limit laws. DeVicchio appeared to win by a 63% to 37% margin.