A Bold Line in the Sand: Progressive Democrats Mobilize Against Judge John Russo
A political shift is happening inside Cuyahoga County — and this time, it’s not quiet.
It’s coordinated.
It’s intentional.
And it’s gaining momentum.
An Open Letter to Judge John Russo, now circulating among members of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party’s Central and Executive Committees, signals one of the strongest intra-party rebukes we’ve seen in years. According to several sources, the letter is allegedly being distributed by leaders connected to the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, and the message is clear:
Judge Russo’s candidacy for the Eighth District Court of Appeals is a political and ethical liability — and we will organize against it.
This is not normal party tension.
This is a repudiation.
A FUNDRAISER THAT SET THE FIRE
The immediate spark:
Judge Russo’s decision to hold a November 25th fundraiser at Summer Place, a venue owned by Tony George — a man widely known for financially supporting Donald Trump, key far-right politicians, and being referenced as “Individual B” in the FirstEnergy House Bill 6 corruption scandal.
The letter reminds Democrats that George’s long record includes:
* Threatening elected officials during debates over LGBTQ+ protections
* Serving as a conduit between FirstEnergy executives and Larry Householder (now serving 20 years for racketeering)
* Receiving more than $10.7 million in payments from FirstEnergy-linked entities
* Deep ties to County and State GOP figures.
Choosing this venue was seen not as an oversight — but a message. A misaligned one.
A HISTORY THAT CAN’T BE IGNORED
The letter goes further, raising concerns about Judge Russo’s conduct on the bench.
1. The Duct-Tape Incident (2018)
Russo ordered deputies to duct-tape the mouth of a Black defendant who wanted to speak during his hearing — a moment that made international headlines and continues to shape how communities view the local justice system.
Background:
🔗 ACLU Coverage:
https://www.aclu.org/news/criminal-law-reform/man-wanted-speak-his-trial-judge-taped-his-mouth-shut
2. Improper Ex Parte Communication (2023)
The Plain Dealer reported that Russo attempted private communication with prosecutors — excluding defense counsel — during a contentious trial issue.
Background:
🔗 Plain Dealer Article:
3. Prior Ethics Documentation
The letter links to additional background on Russo’s past conduct.
🔗 Additional Documentation:
These incidents are not small. For many activists, organizers, and elected party members — they are disqualifying.
WHY THIS LETTER MATTERS
This is not simply criticism.
This is a political line drawn publicly, and it comes with teeth:
* Signatories declare they will not support Judge Russo in the 2026 primary.
* They intend to organize against a party endorsement.
* They argue that if Russo wins, his Common Pleas seat will be filled by a Republican appointee, weakening Democratic judicial representation.
* And critically — they frame this not as factional politics, but as protecting the values of the Democratic Party and restoring public trust in the courts.
This is bold.
This is coordinated.
And this is gaining momentum fast.
THE MOMENTUM SHIFT
What’s happening right now is bigger than one judge.
It signals the rise of a more vocal, more principled, and more confrontational wing of the local Democratic Party — one willing to call out judges and candidates who undermine public trust or fraternize with political actors whose values contradict the party’s stated commitments.
It also signals something else:
Black voters and progressive voters are becoming more organized around judicial accountability — not just legislative accountability.
For decades, judicial seats flew under the radar.
Now, the spotlight is here — and it is scorching.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Black Vanguard Media will continue to follow:
* Who signs the letter
* Whether the County Democratic Party leadership responds
* How Russo’s campaign adjusts
* Whether this moment triggers a larger reckoning around judicial temperament, corruption ties, and alignment with party values
One thing is clear:
The days of silent frustration are over.
Cuyahoga County is speaking loudly — and Judge Russo is hearing it.