Upper Arlington attorney Chris Junga is running for Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge in the Probate Division 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, ranging from high school, to students at the University of Tennessee, Miami of Ohio, and a member of TBDBITL at The Ohio State University."

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 … 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," Junga said.

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, where I led attorneys and staff, managed public budgets and worked collaboratively with courts, law enforcement and local government."

Asked what accomplishments prepare him, 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

What sets him apart: Junga said he brings "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." He added: "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."

Making the 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 …" Junga said. He said the current process falls short: "Individuals are required to email questions, wait for a response, or set up a meeting weeks out … Neither of these are acceptable. 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: "In guardianships and any other matter, every person before the Court will be treated with dignity, listened to carefully, and given a clear understanding of what happens next," Junga said. He cited his endorsement by the Fraternal Order of Police, saying he addressed "a major concern of local law enforcement in guardianship matters, where unnecessary court delays and lack of responsiveness resulted in elderly and disabled individuals who police discover durning wellness checks not get the services and help needed."

Best advice: Asked about the best advice he received, Junga said: "I lost my father last year … My dad was a hard working blue collar guy, he managed a grocery store most of his life and was extremely respected by his employees … His advice wasn't a quote or any clever saying-- but rather his work and leadership ethic that he instilled in me."

More information is available at Junga's campaign website.