Mark Hanni

YOUNGSTOWN — Attorney Mark Hanni is now judge-elect on the 7th District Court of Appeals, defeating incumbent Democrat Gene Donofrio by almost 30,000 votes in the district that serves Mahoning, Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe and Noble counties.

“My decisive victory can be attributed to the red wave in Ohio led by Gov. Mike DeWine,” said Hanni, noting the Republican governor’s sweep to a second term.

Hanni, the Republican, pulled more than 102,000 votes unofficially districtwide, besting Donofrio who garnered more than 73,000.

The judge-elect said the change in Ohio law that demanded party designation for the candidates of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals helped statewide voters to make an informed decision.

“The party affiliation informs the public of what platform and what ideals are supported. Therefore, the voters can be educated and support the candidate they feel is in line with their way of thinking, views and values,” Hanni said.

Hanni said it was evident that the voters in the Seventh Appellate district “support family values, funding the police and the Second Amendment.

“I pledge to serve the voters of the 7th District with judicial integrity and dispense justice fairly and equally. And I will never legislate from the bench,” Hanni said.

Hanni also gives credit for his successful candidacy to Columbiana County Republican Chairman Dave Johnson.

“It was chairman Johnson who suggested I run and has supported me every step of the way, opening doors with other Republican chairmen throughout the Seventh District, as well as state oficeholders,” Hanni said.

Hanni noted that it was almost 60 years ago that his father, Don Jr., longtime Democrat chairman in Mahoning County, served on the bench of Youngstown Municipal Court and was defeated for his seat by Donofrio’s dad, Joseph.

Mark Hanni, who switched his party affiliation to Republican years ago, noted this was a little payback among the families and said: “I’m sure that I inherited my father’s coat tails. I’m showing a little respect.”

Meanwhile, Donofrio thanked his supporters via social media post on Wednesday.

“Although we did not win yesterday, I want to sincerely thank all of my family and friends for all of your help and support in this and in previous campaigns,” Donofrio posted Wednesday. “God has truly blessed me with great family and friends and the good fortune to have served in a position that I love for the past 30 years. It has been a real privilege and honor to have served the citizens of the 7th District.”