1 race to watch in Tuesday's primary
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Ohio voters head to the polls Tuesday for a primary election featuring a host of local issues and one contested judicial race in Cuyahoga County.
Why it matters: Primaries can fly under the radar and often feature contests with little drama.
- Yes, but: The Democratic primary race between incumbent Judge William Vodrey and challenger James Gallagher, an assistant county prosecutor, has plenty.
The intrigue: There are 13 Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court judicial races, but Vodrey is the only incumbent to draw a challenger.
What they're saying: Vodrey told Ideastream that he believes he has been targeted by Prosecutor Michael O'Malley for his handling of the New Era Cleveland trial last summer — a high-profile embarrassment for O'Malley's team.
- "I know the county prosecutor's office has been very displeased with some of my decisions," Vodrey said.
The other side: Lexi Bauer, a spokeswoman for O'Malley, called Ideastream's questions on the subject "nonsensical" in declining to comment.
Between the lines: Vodrey has received exclusively "excellent" ratings from legal groups featured on Judge4Yourself and won endorsements from the county Democratic Party and Cleveland.com.
- His challenger has one big advantage — an Irish last name.
Zoom out: Elsewhere on the ballot, Cuyahoga County Council will welcome at least one new member this year, as District 11 Councilwoman Sunny Simon is vacating her seat to run for county judge.
- Three Democratic challengers are vying for the Democratic nomination Tuesday. The winner will be heavily favored in the November general.
School districts in Independence, Lakewood, Parma, Solon and Strongsville will vote on levy issues for facilities and operations.
🗳️ Stop by: Polls are open 6:30am-7:30pm.
- Voters can find their polling place or sample ballot via the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.