Fairness.
Family.
Future.
Elect Matthew Cunningham for
Probate & Juvenile Judge
in Putnam County.
Because one decision
can change a child’s future.
Trusted Experience.
Local Roots.
Proven Service.
Lifelong Putnam
County Resident
3-generation Family
Legal Legacy
26+ Years of
Legal Experience
Magistrate, Findlay
Municipal Court
Why This Race Matters
Every Parent in Putnam County
Knows the Worry
You
pack lunches.
You
check phones.
You pray today isn’t the day a
mistake turns into something more.
Then you hear a neighbor’s son is in court.
A niece caught with something she shouldn’t have.
A friend’s adoption put on hold.
Suddenly, that courtroom feels
closer than you ever imagined.
But Here's the Truth:
Families feel powerless because
the system waits too long to help
then acts too quickly to punish.
And when that happens, it’s not just a “case.”
It’s a child. A parent. A future.
That’s Why This Election Matters.
Because the judge you choose
decides what happens next
and whether we build a court
that helps before it harms.
Meet Matthew
Rooted in service. Raised in Putnam County.
I’m Matthew Cunningham. Family man, attorney, and lifelong resident of this community.
My grandfather opened his law practice here nearly a century ago. My mother served as judge for 20 years in this very county.
And I’ve spent the last 26 years walking beside families — in courtrooms, schools, scout camps, and community halls.
I’ve seen the system work. I’ve seen where it fails.
And I believe we can do better together.
When I had the chance to leave for bigger cities and bigger paychecks, I stayed.
Because this is home. And home is worth serving.
A Career of Service, At a Glance
- Practicing attorney since 1999
- Magistrate at Findlay Municipal Court since 2017
- Focused on juvenile justice, probate, and family law
- Boy Scouts Black Swamp Area Council for 11 years
- Supporting Ottawa VFW and Leipsic VFW as a social member
- Ottawa native, still calls it home
Fairness. Family. Future.
These aren’t slogans. They’re commitments.
Fairness
Every person deserves to be treated with respect — especially in life’s most difficult moments.
In probate cases, that means simpler forms, faster timelines, and plain-English answers. It means making the process clearer for families who are grieving — not more confusing.
Fairness starts with respect. That’s the standard I’ll carry forward.
Family
Families should be supported — not split apart. When parents, grandparents, or guardians come to court, they deserve to be heard.
That means creating pathways to keep families together where the law allows. And it means holding systems accountable when children are at risk.
In Putnam County, “family” means something. And our courts should reflect that.
Future
The future we build starts with the choices we make today. I believe in helping kids before they’re lost to the system.
That means real programs — not just punishment. I’ve seen firsthand what mentorship, support, and second chances can do.
Let’s create a court that believes in turning lives around — not writing them off.
Why Matthew? Why Now?
- Because kids deserve a chance, not just a sentence.
- Because families need courts that listen.
- Because this community deserves a judge who already belongs to it.
- Because Fairness, Family, and Future starts right here.
What He Will Do
Real plans. Right away.
This isn’t about promises someday.
These are priorities for day one.
1. Give teens a real second chance before it’s too late.
Not every mistake needs to become a court case.
I will launch a program that lets non-violent teens make things right before formal charges are filed through guidance, not just punishment.
That means more kids in school, not detention.
More futures saved, not stamped with records.
2. Show up in every school not just talk about it.
In my first year, I will visit every school district in Putnam County.
We will talk with students directly about real issues: bullying, sexting, drugs, and choices that can lead to court.
Because prevention works best when it starts early and face-to-face.
3. Make our court feel more human especially for families.
Families walking into court often feel confused, overwhelmed, or ignored.
I will lead with transparency and respect updating practices so people understand what’s happening, and why.
Especially in custody and guardianship cases, we will focus on keeping families whole where the law allows.
Community Involvement
Proud to Serve Locally
Boy Scouts Black Swamp Area Council (11 years)
Ottawa Sons of American Legion
Former Secretary, Putnam Republican Central Committee
Ottawa-Glandorf Jaycees
Ottawa Sons of American Legion, 20+ years (served as Commander)
Commander, First District Sons of American Legion, 2006-2007
Ottawa-Glandorf Jaycees
Supporting Ottawa VFW as a social member
Ottawa Eagles member
Supporting Leipsic VFW as a social member
Leipsic Eagles member
Boy Scouts Black Swamp Area Council,
Vice President of Administration, 2011 - 2022
Former Member of Putnam County
Republican Party Central Committee and Executive Committee (Secretary), 2008-2017
Real Stories. Real Values.
These aren’t campaign lines.
They’re lived experiences.
Scouts: Belief Builds Leaders
I’ve led Scouts through sleepless campouts, badge ceremonies, and tough life lessons.
When a youth learns they’re capable of more that changes everything.
That’s the kind of second chance I want our courts to offer too.
2007 Flood: Family Is Who Shows Up
In 2007, the flood hit hard. One family lost nearly everything so we helped where we could.
With the upcoming school year, we helped their daughter with school supplies and necessities to enjoy that first day of school as best she could.
That’s what family looks like in Putnam County. And our courts should reflect that same care.
Respect That Lasts
At the Sons of the American Legion, I’ve spent years honoring those who served.
Their sacrifice teaches us that justice must be rooted in dignity.
That’s the same spirit I will bring to the bench.
Baking: Small Gestures, Big Impact
Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and throughout the year, I bake and donate to organizations to raise money for families in need across the county, and for the Leipsic Eagles, to buy gifts for children.
It’s not about the pie.
It’s about reminding people they matter especially when life gets hard.
Courts should do the same.
Staying Home: Service Over Spotlight
After law school, I had offers. Both big cities and big salaries.
But I stayed in Putnam County.
Because this is where I belong. And this is who I serve.
Why Judges Matter
Think judges don’t affect your life? Think again.
One Decision from the Bench
Can Change Everything.
A judge decides if a child gets guidance… or a record.
A judge decides if families are reunited… or torn apart.
A judge decides if courts are clear… or cold and confusing.
A judge decides if justice means punishment… or a chance to grow.
In Putnam County, these decisions aren’t made in far-off cities. They are made right here in your community, by someone you elect.
That’s why
this race matters.
That’s why
your vote matters.
Help Shape the Future
This May, every single vote counts.
Especially yours.
Judicial races don’t get headlines.
But they decide what happens in your neighborhood, your schools, your home.
When you think
Fairness. Family. Future.
Think of a court that reflects your values.
