COLUMBUS — Franklin County voters will decide Nov. 3 who leads the county’s Probate Court, choosing between Kelly Green, the court’s chief magistrate, and Chris Junga, a veteran trial attorney.
The Probate Court handles some of the most personal cases in the legal system: estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, trusts, involuntary mental health commitments and minor settlements. It also issues marriage licenses. The winner’s term begins in February 2027.
Green, 49, a Democrat, has served as a magistrate in the court since 2010 and as chief magistrate for the past five years, supervising staff, helping manage a multimillion-dollar budget and leading the court’s move to electronic filing. She says her 16 years in the court, hearing nearly every type of case it handles, prepared her to lead it, and she would be the first woman to serve as Franklin County probate judge.
Junga, 52, a Republican, has practiced law for more than 25 years in criminal, civil and probate-related matters, trying more than 100 jury cases and serving as chief public defender in two Ohio counties. He argues the court needs to be more responsive and accessible, especially for people who arrive without a lawyer, and he carries endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police and the Columbus Education Association.
Both candidates say accessibility is central to the job — clear explanations, timely decisions and a court that treats people with dignity during grief, family conflict or a mental health crisis. Polls are open Nov. 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and early voting is available at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.