In 2024, the Ohio General Assembly voted to create a second Judge for the Adams County Court of Common Pleas, with the new position to be filled by the voters in 2026. The decision was not about politics - it was about better serving the people of Adams County. The legislation received overwhelming, near-unanimous bipartisan support in both the Ohio House and Senate, reflecting a broad consensus that the county needed additional judicial capacity.

For years, Adams County was one of only a handful of Ohio counties operating with a single Common Pleas Judge, despite the growing demands placed on the court system. State leaders recognized that one judge could no longer efficiently meet the needs of our citizens. By creating a second judgeship, they took an important step toward improving access to justice, reducing delays, and ensuring the court can better serve Adams County families for years to come. Now, the people of Adams County have the opportunity to elect a qualified judge to fill this historic new seat.

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Bill to Add Judge to Adams County Common Pleas Court Sent to Ohio Governor | Jean Schmidt | Ohio House of Representatives

Barbara Moore Holt is the only candidate in this race with decades of real courtroom experience and a proven record of practicing law. Her education, legal background, and years of public service have prepared her to provide the sound judgment and steady leadership the Adams County Court of Common Pleas deserves.

Barbara earned bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from The Ohio State University before graduating cum laude from Capital University Law School in 1997. That same year, she was admitted to the practice of law by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

For nearly three decades, Barbara has built a distinguished legal career serving the people of Adams County. She has represented clients in private practice, prosecuted cases as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and currently serves as Mayor's Court Magistrate for multiple Adams County villages. Her extensive experience in courtrooms -interpreting the law, weighing evidence, and making fair, impartial decisions - has given her the knowledge and judgment that can only come from years of practicing law.

When voters choose their next Common Pleas Judge, they deserve someone who has dedicated a career to the law. Barbara Moore Holt brings the experience, integrity, and proven qualifications to serve Adams County with fairness, firmness, and fidelity to the Constitution.

Barbara Moore Holt is the only candidate in this race with the qualifications, experience, and proven conservative principles necessary to serve as Judge. A proud, lifelong conservative, Barbara's values of personal responsibility, respect for the Constitution, and the rule of law have guided her throughout her life and career. She knows that a judge's duty is not to make the law, but to faithfully interpret and apply it as written.

As Judge, Barbara will have only one priority: serving the people and families of Adams County by ensuring that every person who enters her courtroom is treated fairly, respectfully, and equally under the law. Justice should never depend on politics, personal connections, or who you know. It should depend solely on the facts, the law, and the Constitution. Barbara is committed to defending the constitutional rights of every citizen, administering justice with fairness and firmness, and bringing integrity, impartiality, and unwavering respect for the law to the bench.

Barbara Moore Holt's roots in Adams County run deep, and so does her commitment to the people who call this county home. Despite false claims made during this campaign, the facts are clear: Barbara is an Adams County resident and has dedicated her career to serving Adams County families, communities, and its justice system.

As a lifelong conservative and proud mother of two, Barbara understands the values that make Adams County strong - faith, family, hard work, and personal responsibility. Those values have guided her throughout her career and will continue to guide her as Judge.



Barbara believes the Court of Common Pleas should serve the people efficiently, fairly, and responsibly. She is committed to being a careful steward of taxpayer dollars, improving the efficiency of court operations, and ensuring families receive timely, fair resolutions to the matters before the court. Her focus is not on politics or campaign rhetoric—it is on delivering justice with integrity, protecting the Constitution, and faithfully serving the citizens of Adams County.