Hamilton County: Tye Claims Historic Probate Seat With 56 Percent

Elizabeth Tye won 56 percent of the vote in the Hamilton County probate judge race, according to the Board of Elections' unofficial final count. She defeated Republican Judge Ralph Winkler, who received 44 percent. The results are pending formal certification.

Tye is the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Her full term begins on February 9, 2027. She defeated a candidate whose name had been on the ballot for a long time, a challenge she acknowledged during a morning interview on The Lincoln Ware Show.

During the campaign, some of Tye's campaign signs were painted over. She said the incident did not shake her confidence. She credited her grandparents, who moved from South Carolina to Cincinnati to seek new opportunities. Tye quoted her grandmother, who described herself as a little piece of leather, but well put together.

Tye has operated her own probate, estate planning, and family law practice since 2003. She stated the court employs about 52 people and seven to nine magistrates. The office handles adoptions, guardianships, and appointments to civic boards. Tye said she wants a fair process for those appointments so that everybody who is interested has an opportunity to apply.

Lincoln Ware, who attended her watch party, noted that Tye refused to celebrate until the vote count was finalized. She said she believes her name now means just as much as Winkler. Tye said she is currently heading to Spain to cheer on the Bengals.