Hendrickson runs for re-election to 12th District appellate bench

Robert A. Hendrickson, a Republican judge on Ohio's Twelfth District Court of Appeals, is seeking re-election to his District 12 seat. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady.

The Twelfth District includes Warren County, where Mason and Deerfield Township are located. Hendrickson has served on the appellate bench since 2008.

Hendrickson did not provide responses to a candidate questionnaire. This profile is based on public records and verified profile data.

Candidate information

Name: Robert A. Hendrickson
Party: Republican
Office sought: Ohio Appellate Court Judge, District 12 (Term Commencing 2/9)
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Birthplace: Middletown, Ohio (born Jan. 8, 1959); raised in Monroe, Ohio
Education: High school diploma, Monroe High School (1977); bachelor's degree in business administration, University of Cincinnati (1981); juris doctor, Capital University (1984)

According to the court's website, Hendrickson was vice president of his law school class at Capital University Law School and president of the Honor Code. He is the youngest of four children born to retired Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge William R. Hendrickson and Gloria Hendrickson.

Experience and public service

Hendrickson's legal career spans more than four decades, according to BallotReady data and the court's website:

Judge, Twelfth District Court of Appeals (2008–present)
Administrative judge, Twelfth District Court of Appeals (2026), according to the Record Herald
Presiding judge, Twelfth District Court of Appeals (2025), according to the Clermont Sun
Judge, Butler County Area III Court (1997–2008)
Past administrative judge, Butler County Area Courts
Magistrate, Hamilton Municipal Court (1996)
Acting warrant officer, Hamilton Municipal Court
Acting prosecutor, Hamilton and Middletown Municipal Courts
Public defender, Butler County (1985–1996)
Attorney, private practice
Councilmember, City of Monroe (1996)
Past president, Butler County Municipal and County Court Association

His roots run deep in Monroe. The court's website lists civic involvement including service as a board member and past president of Sonlight Power Inc., a mission organization that installs solar panel systems in developing countries for churches, schools, medical facilities and orphanages. He has also served as treasurer and board member of the Monroe Area Community Foundation, past vice president of the Butler County Law Library Association, and past president of the Monroe Lions Club, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Monroe Sports Association and Monroe Youth Basketball League.

Hendrickson is a member of the Ohio Bar Association, Butler County Bar Association and Warren County Bar Association, according to the court's website.