Fairness. Family. Future.
✓ 26 years practicing law in Putnam County
✓ The only candidate with 8 years sitting on the bench as a Magistrate
✓ Born and raised in Putnam County with with a specific plan for the Probate/Juvenile court
Meet Matthew Cunningham
I'm Matthew Cunningham and I'm running for Putnam County Probate Juvenile Judge.
I'm a family man, attorney, and lifelong resident of this community.
I was born and raised in Putnam County. I came back to Putnam County after law school because I wanted to serve in the community that raised me.
I've spent the last 26 years walking beside families in courtrooms, schools, scout camps, and community halls.
My grandfather opened his law practice here nearly a century ago. My father and my mother were both attorneys and worked at my grandfather's law firm. My mother served as Putnam County Court Judge for 20 years. She showed me you can hold people accountable while treating them with dignity.
I grew up in a religious household where faith and service went hand in hand. My parents taught me to show up, do the work right, and treat every person with respect.
Today, I share my life with my significant other, Tammi. We are both very present in the lives of her grandchildren, and I cherish the time we spend together as a family.
When I'm not in the courtroom, you'll find me walking my dog, Ruby, baking pumpkin rolls for family, friends or local fundraisers, or spending time with family. As an outdoorsman, I enjoy all activities outdoors like hiking, hunting and fishing.
A Career of Service At a Glance
26 Years of Legal Experience
I graduated from the University of Toledo School of Law and joined my family's firm in Ottawa in 1999 and I have practiced law in Putnam County ever since.
I have worked across every area of law this court touches: juvenile defense, custody cases, adoptions, guardianships, estates, and probate matters.
Showing up prepared, listening carefully, and doing the work right. That is the standard I hold myself to.
8 Years on the bench as a Magistrate
Since 2017 I have served as a Magistrate at Findlay Municipal Court, sitting on the bench, deciding cases, and carrying the responsibility of making decisions that affect the lives of people in the community.
I am the only candidate in this race with that experience.
8 years of hearing both sides, weighing the facts, and applying the law fairly. You learn what it means to be a judicial officer by doing it.
My Judicial Approach
I believe Putnam County deserves a judge who shows up, listens, and leads with integrity.
Being fair, compassionate, and stern when the moment calls for it.
A judge who doesn't just sit behind the bench but actively works to make this court better for the people of Putnam County. Steady, prepared, and consistent in every case.
That's the judge I intend to be.
Proud to Serve Locally
- Mentoring youth at the Boy Scouts Black Swamp Area Council, Vice President of Administration, 2011 - 2022
- Ottawa Sons of American Legion, 28+ years (served as Commander)
- Commander, First District Sons of American Legion, 2006-2007
- Ottawa-Glandorf Jaycees
- Leipsic VFW social member
- Ottawa VFW social member
- Ottawa Eagles member
- Leipsic Eagles member
- Former Member of Putnam County Republican Party Central Committee and Executive Committee (Secretary), 2008-2017
Why This Race Matters
Every family that walks into the Probate Juvenile court is usually going through a hard or delicate moment in their life.
A parent behind a nervous child. Loved ones navigating loss. Two people trying to figure out what's best for their kids...
The judge sitting across from them matters more than most people realize.
That's why my campaign is based on three commitments:
Fairness means to listen to both sides, weight the facts, apply the law fairly and treat every person with respect.
Family means keeping families together wherever the law allows and making sure the court works with them, not against them.
Future means giving young people a chance to make things right before a mistake becomes a record. Just because a child makes a bad choice doesn't make them a bad kid.
Watch the video to hear from Matthew in his own words.
Real Plans. Right Away.
This isn't about promises someday. These are my priorities for day one.
Give teens a chance before a mistake becomes a record
Not every mistake needs to become a court case.
I will work to initiate a pre-charge diversion program for first-time, non-violent youth in Juvenile Court, giving them a chance to make things right before formal charges are filed.
That means providing structure, guidance, and the resources each child needs to correct the behavior. My goal is to pair accountability with a path toward rehabilitation, not just punishment.
Visit school districts to launch educational programs
Most of the challenges our kids face don't begin in a courtroom.
In my first year, I will visit every school district in Putnam County to launch educational programs on digital responsibility, bullying, drugs, sexting, and consequences.
I will organize meetings with school administrators, superintendents, and principals to build a plan for how the Court can best support our schools and keep our youth headed in the right direction.
Modernize the Probate Court to make it accessible to everyone
When families come to Probate Court, they are often overwhelmed, and trying to navigate a process they have never faced before.
Other counties in Ohio provide guidance, forms, and information online. Putnam County does not.
In my first year, I will work with the Court’s IT team to build an accessible website for the Probate Court in Putnam County with clear information, the forms and the steps people need to follow.
I believe this will improve transparency and accessibility for everyone.
My pre-charge diversion initiative is grounded in research.
Studies show that youth who go through diversion are significantly less likely to reoffend than those who enter the formal court system.
Your Vote Matters
The Republican Primary is May 5, 2026. Here's everything you need to participate.
Voter Registration
Registration deadline: April 6, 2026 (office open until 9:00 PM)
Putnam County Board of Elections: 575 Ottawa-Glandorf Road, Suite 2, Ottawa, OH 45875 (back entrance)
Election day: May 5, 2026 (Ask for the Republican Ballot)
Check Your Voter Registration Status →
Voter qualifications and information on where and how to register can be found here: Voter Registration Information →
Early Voting
Early in-person voting begins April 7, 2026 at Putnam County Board of Elections
575 Ottawa-Glandorf Road, Suite 2, Ottawa, OH 45875 (back entrance)
Ask for the Republican Ballot.
Absentee voting by mail begins April 7.
Military and overseas absentee voting begins March 20, 2026.
Absentee Voting
Application deadline: April 27, 2026
Completed ballots must be received by 7:30 PM on May 5, 2026.
Find Your Polling Location
Enter your address to find your assigned polling location in Putnam County.
I'd love to hear from you!
If you'd like to share a comment, or ask me a question directly, call or text me at 419-615-8977 or send me a message here from my website.
This May, every single vote counts.
Judicial races decide what happens in our community.
When you think
Fairness.
Family.
Future.
Think of a court that reflects your values.
