Judge John W. Judkins announces candidacy for Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge

Editor's note: Greenfield attorney and current Highland County Court Judge John W. Judkins has announced his candidacy for judge of Highland County Common Pleas Court. His announcement follows.

Judge John W. Judkins, a respected community leader and dedicated legal professional, has officially launched his campaign for the Highland County Common Pleas Court judge position, which will be vacated following the retirement of Judge Rocky A. Coss, who has served the bench with distinction for 18 years. 

The primary election is May 5, 2026.

Judge Coss’s exemplary tenure sets a high standard — one that Judkins deeply admires and aspires to continue.

“As Judge Coss completes over four decades of devoted public service to the citizens of Highland County, I am honored to step forward and announce my intention to run as a Republican candidate for the Common Pleas Court,” said Judkins. “As a current Judge of the Highland County Court and lifelong Highland County resident, I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to this important position.”

Judkins brings a robust legal background, recent judicial experience and deep roots in Highland County to his candidacy.

Since 2009, Judkins has practiced at Judkins & Hayes, LLC, specializing in civil litigation across federal, state, and local courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court. He has previously work in the Ohio Treasurer’s Office, at the Ohio Department of Commerce, and has assisted the Republican Caucus in the Ohio House of Representatives.  

In addition, from 2021 through 2024, he served as a part-time prosecutor and Assistant Law Director for the City of Chillicothe at the Chillicothe Municipal Court. 

Most recently, in November 2024, Judkins was elected as Highland County Court Judge, reflecting the community’s trust in his integrity and legal judgment.

A lifelong resident of Highland County and a graduate of McClain High School, Judkins actively serves as an elder and member of the Board of Session at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield. He has served on the Highland County Law Library Resource Board, Greenfield Civil Service Commission, is a member of the Highland County and Ohio State Bar Associations and has served as a board director for the Highland County Chamber of Commerce.

Judkins is committed to:

• Upholding the highest standards of legal fairness;

• Ensuring Highland County residents have a voice and are treated with dignity and respect whenever they interact with the court system;

• Protecting the rights of crime victims throughout every step of legal proceedings;

• Fostering public trust while delivering compassionate, impartial judicial service.