Chris Junga is running for Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge in the Probate Division in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Kelly Green.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Junga said in our questionnaire: "I am running because Franklin County families deserve a Probate Court that is fair, accessible, timely and responsive. Citizens rely on Probate Court during deeply personal circumstances - the loss of a loved one, an adoption, a guardianship or the need to protect a vulnerable individual."

Candidate information

Residence: Junga said he resides "in Upper Arlington with my wife Sarah, and together we are proud parents of five children in our blended family."

Education: "I received a BA from the University of Toledo in Political Science in 1996, and a JD from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1999," Junga said. He said he "grew up in a hardworking, blue-collar family and became the first person in my family to attend college, ultimately earning my law degree, while working and self-funding my education."

Party affiliation: "This is a non-partisan election, however I have received the endorsement of the Franklin County Republican Party," Junga said.

Experience and public service

In our questionnaire, Junga described his background: "I am currently a litigation attorney with my own private practice. As a veteran Ohio trial attorney with more than 25 years of legal experience, I have tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict … I began my career in public service and spent 12 years at the Franklin County Public Defender's Office, and later served as Director of two Ohio Public Defender offices, where I led attorneys and staff, managed public budgets and worked collaboratively with courts, law enforcement and local government."

Junga said he has not previously served as a judge. He said "the current Franklin County Probate Judge is retiring at the end of this term."

Asked what accomplishments prepare him, Junga said: "I served as a Chief Public Defender during COVID and proudly kept the office open, working and moving cases along, all while providing for the safety of my staff. There, I managed the overall operations, taxpayer resources, recruited and trained employees, improved office processes, and efficiently managed a taxpayer budget."

On the issues

What sets him apart: "I bring more than 25 years of real courtroom experience, and a career spent representing actual clients who depended on the legal system working fairly and efficiently," Junga said. "I also bring executive leadership from serving as a Chief Public Defender, hiring motivated staff, managing a million dollar budget, and being accessible to the public."

Making probate court accessible: "Probate is unique in the fact that a great number of those who come before it do not have attorneys. This requires a more hands on, approachable court," Junga said. He said "individuals are required to email questions, wait for a response, or set up a meeting weeks out" and that "the Court requires efiling in all matters." Junga said: "I will have staff available to make the court easier to navigate, and allow paper filing for individuals who do not have access to, or have difficulties using efiling."

Guardianship protections: "In guardianships and any other matter, every person before the Court will be treated with dignity, listened to carefully, and given a clear understanding of what happens next," Junga said. He said: "As the endorsed candidate of the FOP, I addressed a major concern of local law enforcement in guardianship matters, where unnecessary court delays and lack of responsiveness resulted in elderly and disabled individuals who police discover durning wellness checks not get the services and help needed."

Best advice: Junga said: "My dad was a hard working blue collar guy, he managed a grocery store most of his life …" He said his father "always rolled up his sleeves, worked alongside everyone, and was committed to the notion, that 'if you are going to do something, do it right.'"

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. The seat is for the Probate Division, term beginning Feb. 9, 2027.