ATHENS, Ohio – Judge Todd L. Grace announces today that he has accepted Democratic Party’s nomination for the Ohio Court of Appeals’ Fourth District. At a special meeting on Sunday by Democratic Party leaders representing the 14 counties of the Fourth Appellate District, Judge Grace was chosen to fill the ballot vacancy created by the recent passing of incumbent Judge Peter B. Abele.
“First and foremost, I extend my deepest condolences to Judge Abele’s loved ones and all those whose lives he touched through his many years of service to Ohio’s judiciary. I am honored to have been nominated and look forward to the opportunity to bring my 24 years of judicial experience to the Court of Appeals and continuing to serve the people of Southern Ohio.” – Judge Todd L. Grace
Judge Grace and his opponent, Pickaway County Prosecutor Jayme Fountain, were officially certified by the Ross County Board of Elections early Monday morning, and will appear on the ballot for the upcoming 2026 General Election when early voting begins tomorrow.
“Judge Grace’s 24 years of judicial experience make him an excellent candidate who would be ready on day one for a move to a higher court. Jayme Fountain’s lack of any experience on the bench presents a much steeper hill for her to climb. The people of southern Ohio deserve a candidate who is ready now to serve with wisdom earned across decades. Judge Todd L. Grace is that candidate.”- Sarah Senff Ross County Democratic Party Chair & Democratic Candidate for Ohio House District 92, who chaired the meeting in which Grace was chosen by Democrats
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Regarding the process of changing the ballot, please contact any of the County Boards of Elections in the 4th Appellate District: Adams, Athens, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington.
Regarding Judge Todd L. Grace’s Campaign: ToddGrace4Judge@gmail.com
Since his candidacy only came about yesterday, Judge Grace is working quickly to create a campaign website with further information as soon as possible. Until then, he provides this biography as an appendix to this release for the press and members of the public to draw from:
Judge Todd L. Grace Biography
With 24 years of judicial experience, Judge Grace is in his eleventh year as Athens County Municipal Court Judge. Prior to taking the Municipal Court bench, he served for 13 years as a magistrate in Athens County Juvenile Court while maintaining a private law practice in Athens.
During his time on the Athens Municipal Court, Judge Grace has significantly expanded the Court’s diversion programs and modernized court operations through electronic filing and remote appearances. He has also worked to ensure that every person appearing before the Court knows they have been heard.
Judge Grace has a long history as a judicial-education presenter, teaching multiple courses each year at New Judge Orientation and conferences of the Association of Municipal and County Judges of Ohio. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Ohio Judicial College, which creates and oversees judicial education for judges across the state. He also serves as co-chair of the Association’s Education Committee and as its secretary.
In addition, Judge Grace has served on Ohio Supreme Court and Ohio Judicial Conference task forces and workgroups addressing bail and bond reform, the Model Bond Schedule, the New Judge Mentoring Program, continuing jury operations, and remote hearings.
Judge Grace earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. He and his wife, Sarah, have four children ranging in age from 13 to 25.
