RICHLAND COUNTY — Three Republican candidates have filed to run for Ohio’s 5th District Court of Appeals, setting up a contest for the six-year judicial term.

The position carries a salary of $187,013 in 2026.

The candidates in the Republican primary include Licking County Municipal Court Judge Matthew George, Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor Matt Donahue, and attorney Jeff Furr.

Voters will choose one nominee in the Republican primary to advance to the general election.

Matthew George: Licking County judge emphasizes originalist judicial philosophy

Matthew George, 45, currently serves as a judge on the Licking County Municipal Court.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ashland University in 2002 and a Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2007.

George said he believes a judge must interpret the Constitution and laws based on their plain meaning as understood at the time of adoption.

“Ohio needs judges who will faithfully apply the law, not rewrite it,” George added. “At every level of government, we have seen activist judges impose their own views instead of following the Constitution and statutes as written.

“When judges depart from that standard, they create uncertainty, inject personal preferences into the law and allow shifting political winds to dictate outcomes,” he said. “That is not justice, and it is not how our system of government was designed to work.”

Experience and judicial philosophy

He first ran for office in 2019, stating he wanted to ensure judges reflect values many Ohioans possess – faith, liberty, limited government and a proper understanding of the constitutional system. 

“Those principles continue to guide me today, and they are the reason I am running for the Court of Appeals,” he said. 

He added three things differentiate him from his opponents – experience, judicial philosophy and independence. 

George noted he is the only candidate who has served on the bench, with 18 years of judicial experience. 

“That means I have a proven record of applying the law fairly, treating people with respect and making tough decisions based on facts and the law, not outside pressure,” he said. 

He described himself as a consistent, proven conservative and an originalist, stating he has applied that philosophy throughout his career.

George added judges should not act as extensions of political offices.

“I have spent my career as an independent judge and magistrate,” he said. “I will continue to apply the law as written, without influence or agenda.”

“At the end of the day, this race comes down to proven experience, a consistent conservative record and true judicial independence,” he added. “Those are the qualities I bring to the bench.” 

Matt Donahue: Legal advisor highlights prosecutorial and appellate experience

Matt Donahue, 46, currently serves as Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Prior to those roles, he was the chief of the Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

He earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude from Bethany College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. He has not previously held elected office.

Donahue said he is running for the 5th District Court of Appeals because appellate courts play a critical but often under-recognized role in the justice system.

“It is critical to our state and country that the law is applied with consistently conservative legal principles in order to ensure that legal decisions are fair and just,” he said. 

Donahue cites legal experience

He pointed to his experience as a prosecutor and legal advisor as evidence of that commitment.

“I spent over a decade as a prosecutor handling the most difficult of cases at both the county and the Ohio Attorney General’s office,” he said. “I have a lot of experience in the court of appeals. As a special prosecutor, I was involved with criminal cases in every county in this 15-county district.”

Donahue said appellate experience is essential for the position, noting he has written, argued and participated in numerous appeals and original actions in Ohio’s Courts of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.

He also cited his involvement in an original action at the Ohio Supreme Court seeking to require a three-judge panel to follow the law as written.

Donahue said he played a major role in the legal aspects of redistricting for years.

“While as judge I will always follow the law and be impartial. I have a record of conservative legal actions that are unmatched,” he said. “I advised on the Heartbeat bill and was in the room when it was signed. I advised on the signing of constitutional carry and stand-your-ground law.” 

He highlighted several professional recognitions, including the Ohio Division of Wildlife Award of Recognition (May 2011), the Attorney General’s Outstanding Achievement Award, Ohio Attorney General’s Office (2013), Meritorious Assistant Prosecutor, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association (2010), among others. 

Donahue added his wife, Jill, began her television career at WMFD, and his father-in-law, Gene Del Greco, worked for the Richland County Engineer for many years.

He also noted one of his most prominent endorsements is from Jim Tressel.

Jeff Furr: Attorney emphasizes broad experience and appellate background

Jeff Furr, 65, is an attorney with more than 30 years of legal experience.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science from The Ohio State University College of Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration, a law degree with honors and a Master of Laws in Taxation, all from Capital University.

Furr previously served two terms on Johnstown City Council.

He said he is seeking the position to give back to the community.

“I have a diverse background with experience in law, technology, business and government which is needed for the Court of Appeals as it hears all types of cases,” Furr said. “My background, experience and education make me the perfect candidate for this office.”

Furr highlights military service and experience 

Furr said he is the only candidate with military experience, having served in the Ohio Army National Guard, and is a member of the American Legion. 

He described himself as a constitutional conservative who believes courts should interpret — not make — the law. He also emphasized his strong family values, noting he has a spouse, children, and grandchildren.

“I will work hard to make sure people have access to the court system,” he added.

Furr said he has more than 30 endorsements from elected officials within the 5th District.

He has argued before a court one level below the U.S. Supreme Court and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

He also pointed to his private-sector experience, including more than a decade as a computer programmer, and noted he worked while attending law school and graduated with honors.

“I am not a career politician and will serve only one term,” he added. “I will work hard to make sure people have access to the court system.”