Democrat Columbus City Councilwoman Shayla Favor has won the race for Franklin County Prosecutor.
Victory was declared for Favor, 43, with 100% of precincts reporting. She leads with 63% of the vote compared to 37% for Republican defense attorney John Rutan.
Favor will succeed current Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack, a Democrat, who took office four years ago.
Favor's victory speech at the Ohio Democratic Watch Party at a Downtown Columbus hotel was defiant amid what looked like a bleak night for Democrats in state races.
"Tomorrow we will begin the journey toward transforming our justice system so that every person in Franklin County feels safe, seen and respected. Together, we can make this system one that not only punishes, but restores. That not only demands accountability, but also offers hope," Favor said.
Favor has served on Columbus City Council since she was appointed in 2019 and was a Columbus City Attorney for five years before joining council, mainly prosecuting nuisance properties and blight with what is now called the city's Property Action Team.
The fact that she will make history as the first Black person and first woman to serve in the office was not lost on Favor Tuesday night. She said she couldn't help but think about the women in history and her African American ancestors who paved the way for her to be there.
"My ancestors who endured over two centuries of chattel slavery, Jim Crow reconstruction, the civil rights movement, and paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. The women of all hues, experience and background who organized and marched and sacrifice their own dreams for the pursuit of justice and equality," Favor said.
Her campaign started in a closely contested Democratic Primary against Delaware City Attorney Natalia Harris and Franklin County Prosecutor Deputy Chief Legal Counsel Anthony Pierson.
During the primary, Favor spearheaded an effort to ask the county party not to endorse in the three-way race. She succeeded after the party narrowly voted not to endorse in the race. That was key, leading to a narrow victory for Favor.
Favor had the support of the county Democratic Party in the General Election.
Favor says as prosecutor she wants to set a clear policy for how the county chooses who will prosecute criminal cases where the defendant is a police office. The office currently switches between special prosecutors hired from outside the office and choosing prosecutors from within the office. The office does not explain why it makes the choices it does in each case.
Favor also wants to increase special dockets diversionary programs for first time defenders, especially when they are younger.
She said believes that prosecutors have a responsibility to reduce and repair an unfair justice system. She said that starts with reimagining the organizational culture and the systemic policies of the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office.
Favor also doesn’t support the death penalty and wants to reform how cash bail is used in the county.
The race was not without controversy. Rutan, the Republican in this race, faced criticism and lost the endorsement of his own party after voicing support for conspiracy theories about September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Favor was also questioned on her experience as a prosecutor who has had little experience trying cases in criminal court.
After she takes office, Columbus City Council will have to decide how to fill her vacant seat on city council.
This is a developing story.
