Stewart’s Journey From Musician to Judge
Justice Melody Stewart has over 30 years of legal and academic experience. Born in Cleveland in 1962, Stewart was a classically trained pianist who majored in music at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. She later attended Cleveland-Marshall College of Law while working full-time, graduating in 1988.
Stewart began her career in civil litigation before pivoting to legal education. She taught at various institutions, including Cleveland-Marshall, while serving on East Cleveland’s Planning and Zoning Board. Despite losing her first two bids for elected office, Stewart persevered, winning a seat on the 8th District Court of Appeals in 2006.
Stewart Makes History With State Supreme Court Election
In 2018, Stewart campaigned across Ohio to run for State Supreme Court. Facing hurdles like limited funding, she traveled to over 60 counties meeting directly with voters. Stewart promised to bring ideological diversity to Ohio’s all-Republican court.
On November 6, 2018, Stewart decisively defeated the incumbent Justice Mary DeGenaro to make history. Her election marked the first time an African-American woman was voted to the Ohio Supreme Court. It also made her the first Black Democrat elected to any statewide office in Ohio.
Stewart’s triumph was hailed by figures like LeBron James, who tweeted “AMAZING!!! Congrats Judge Melody Stewart. #ChangeWillCome.” As only the second Democrat on the court, many looked to Stewart to increase accountability and diminish partisan politics.
Stewart Seeks Meaningful Reforms to Judicial System
Since taking office in 2019, Justice Stewart has pushed for reforms to make the state Supreme Court more transparent and effective for Ohioans. Despite her historic positioning, she hopes her lasting legacy is making tangible improvements to the judicial system.
“I hope when my time is done, people will say, ‘She made the Supreme Court better,’” Stewart has stated about her ambitions for reform. She aims to address inefficiencies in operations and clarify standards around accountability for justices.
Now over halfway through her six-year term, Justice Melody Stewart continues striving to enhance integrity and public trust at the highest court. The trailblazer’s piano-playing days may be behind her, but her hands now shape impactful change from the bench of the Ohio State Supreme Court.
