Luken, a Democrat, is expected to face another official who is well-known locally — Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler, a Republican.
Winkler, 52, has been a judge or prosecutor for more than two decades. He is married to Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Tracy Winkler; his father, Ralph, was a judge; and his late mother, Cheryl Winkler, was a state legislator. His brother Robert is also a common pleas judge.
Both men are running for a six-year term in a post that pays $121,350 annually. Estates, adoptions, guardianships and a variety of other matters are handled in probate court. Current Judge James Cissell is ineligible to seek another term.
Luken said Tuesday that his administrative experience as mayor gives him a good background to run the court, but he expects a spirited race.
“It’s going to be a tough fight,” Luken told The Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’m not naive about the challenge, but I think people are open to a new way.”
Winkler said his experience as judge and as a prosecutor better qualifies him for probate matters.
“I want to help people get their lives straightened out,” said Winkler, who expects to soon file his paperwork.
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