On Thursday, May 22, 2025, FOX19 NOW reported that Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Tom Heekin, who had been on medical leave since April 12, 2024, has resigned. The 64-year-old judge’s leave was initially scheduled to end on July 12, 2024, but he did not return to his judicial duties.
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy assigned retired Judge Robert Ruehlman to manage Heekin’s docket during the leave. Ruehlman, who served 36 years on the bench from 1987 to 2023, was appointed as a visiting judge due to his extensive experience, despite being ineligible to run for re-election because of age restrictions.
With Heekin’s resignation, Governor Mike DeWine will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Heekin’s term, which extends until early 2029. The timeline for the appointment remains unspecified.
The Hamilton County Republican Party is accepting applications for the vacant position. Interested candidates must request a Judicial Candidate Questionnaire from Debbie Flammer at [email protected] and submit completed applications by June 4, 2025, to 430 Reading Rd., Suite 201, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, via email or mail. The Judicial Screening Committee will review applications and may invite selected candidates for interviews at a later date.
Source: FOX19 NOW
