Chris Junga is running for Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge in the Probate Division (Term Commencing 2/9) in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Kelly Green.

Asked why he is running, 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 added: "I am also a proud graduate of public schools at Woodward High School. I 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

Junga said he has not previously served as a judge. He described his career in our questionnaire: "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."

Asked what accomplishments prepare him for the role, 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

Critical differences from opponent: "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 … As the endorsed candidate of the Fraternal Order of Police and Columbus Education Association, I am honored by their recognition of my qualifications as the best candidate," Junga said.

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 to help guide the needs of these litigants," Junga said. He added: "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 oversight: "Court appointed guardians need to be properly vetted, and not simply just someone who has been on the Court's list for years, contributed to campaign fundraisers and quietly keep the status quo," Junga said.

Fresh perspective: Junga said the court "needs to be more responsive and accessible. Filings and inquires often go weeks without a response. Families who are grieving need to transfer the assets of their departed loved ones without unnecessary delay."

Best advice: Junga said his father's example shaped him. "My dad was a hard working blue collar guy, he managed a grocery store most of his life … he 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.'"