For the first time ever, two Licking County residents hold top positions on the Fifth District Court of Appeals. This is the first time in over forty years that judges from outside Stark County have held both spots simultaneously.
Judge Craig Baldwin was elected presiding judge, and Judge Andrew King was elected administrative judge. Baldwin is serving as presiding judge for the first time, while this marks King’s second term as administrative judge.
This shift marks a turning point for the district, which has seen population growth in the southern counties surpassing Stark County’s historical advantage. Baldwin, who joined the court in 2013, noted the slow change.
“It’s a remarkable change from when I joined the Court,” said Baldwin. “It had been over fifty years since a judge from Licking County won an election for the court of appeals, but now we have two.”
The Court covers 15 counties with a population of nearly 1.5 million.
With the 2024 election, Republicans will hold a majority on the court for the first time in over forty years.
Licking County Republican Party Chairman Matt Dole believes this will benefit residents.
“Republican judges who apply the law, rather than Democrat judges who might legislate from the bench, are good for Ohio residents and reflects the district,” Dole said.
In addition to his role as administrative judge, King was appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Professional Conduct. The board handles complaints of misconduct, makes recommendations for discipline, and offers advisory opinions on ethics matters.
“I look forward to helping ensure that Ohio’s legal system maintains a high standard of excellence and that Ohio residents may expect ethical representation under the law,” King said.
