11-05-2025 9:03pm

Resolution to Initiate Removal Proceedings Against Judge Receives First Hearing in House Committee

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- State Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) today announced that House Concurrent Resolution 26, the resolution he introduced alongside Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) to initiate the Ohio House of Representative’s removal proceedings against Judge Ted Berry, received its first hearing in the House General Government Committee.

“This is not a matter any of us take lightly as judicial removal is among the most serious constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the General Assembly,” said Mathews. “This resolution is about the public’s right to an impartial judiciary. It is about ensuring that every Ohioan, regardless of belief, background, or party, can walk into a courtroom and trust that justice will be blind.”

This resolution follows Judge Berry’s refusal to resign after making egregious and inflammatory public statements celebrating the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. His comments may have been a breach of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, including:

Canon 1, Rule 1.2: Requires judges to uphold public confidence in the judiciary and avoid impropriety;
Canon 2, Rule 2.3: Prohibits bias or prejudice on the basis of race;
Canon 2, Rule 2.4: Forbids judges from allowing political or personal interests to influence their judicial duties;
Canon 2, Rule 2.11: Addresses disqualification due to public statements reflecting bias or prejudice.

H.C.R. 26 awaits further consideration from the House General Government Committee.