Highland County Court Judge John W. Judkins has announced his candidacy for the Highland County Common Pleas Court, setting the stage for a pivotal judicial transition as longtime Judge Rocky A. Coss prepares to retire after nearly two decades on the bench.

The upcoming vacancy marks a significant moment for the county’s legal system, and Judkins—currently serving as Highland County Court Judge—is positioning himself as a steady, experienced successor. With the primary election slated for May 5, 2026, his campaign is expected to draw attention across the region.

Judkins’s legal career spans more than a decade of civil litigation practice at Judkins & Hayes, LLC, where he represented clients in federal, state, and local courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court. His background also includes roles in state government, with experience at the Ohio Treasurer’s Office, the Department of Commerce, and in legislative support for the Ohio House Republican Caucus.

From 2021 to 2024, Judkins served as a part-time prosecutor and Assistant Law Director at the Chillicothe Municipal Court, gaining firsthand insight into municipal law and courtroom operations. His election to the Highland County Court bench in 2024 reflected broad community support and trust in his legal judgment.

Beyond the courtroom, Judkins is deeply involved in civic life. A graduate of McClain High School and lifelong Highland County resident, he has served on the Highland County Law Library Resource Board, the Greenfield Civil Service Commission, and the Highland County Chamber of Commerce. He is also active in his local church and professional bar associations.

His campaign emphasizes fairness, dignity, and public trust—principles he aims to uphold if elected to the Common Pleas Court. With a focus on protecting victims’ rights and ensuring equal access to justice, Judkins is presenting himself as a candidate rooted in both legal expertise and community values.

As Highland County prepares for a new chapter in its judicial leadership, Judkins’s candidacy offers voters a familiar face with a track record of service and a clear vision for the future of the court.