John J. Eklund is a former Republican member of the Ohio Senate representing the 18th district, which includes all of Portage County, half of Lake County, and most of Geauga County. Appointed in November 2011 to replace Tim Grendell, he won a full term in 2012 with 54.7% of the vote and served until 2021. Since July 2021, he has served as a judge on the 11th District Court of Appeals, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine and elected in 2022 to complete the term. Notable achievements include chairing the Senate Criminal Justice, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees; serving on the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission and other boards; recognition as a "Best Lawyer in America" and Ohio "Super Lawyer" in Antitrust Law and Litigation; and community roles such as Chairman of United Way Services of Geauga County and the Munson Township Zoning Commission. He supported Ohio Senate Bill 23 in 2019.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History from Union College ; J.D. from Washington and Lee University, where he was Lead Articles Editor for the Law Review and named to Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Admitted to practice in Ohio state and federal courts, several U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court .
• Political Experience: Ohio Senate ; chaired Senate Criminal Justice Committee and others; served on Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission, Ohio ABLE Act Board, Correctional Institution Inspection Committee, and Criminal Recodification Committee. Currently, Judge on the 11th District Court of Appeals .