A New Line in the Sand: Who Jeff Crossman Is, and Why This Race Matters
Cuyahoga County Democrats have done something they almost never do:
They’ve taken a clear, forceful, public stance against one of their own judges running for higher office.
And the person emerging as the credible challenger to Judge John Russo’s bid for the Eighth District Court of Appeals is Jeffrey A. Crossman.
Before this race becomes another political storm, Black Vanguard Media is breaking down who Crossman is, why this race matters, and what’s at stake for Black voters in Cuyahoga County.
Why Democrats Drew a Red Line Against Russo
This isn’t typical party drama.
This is about judgment, temperament, ethics, and public trust.
Judge John Russo’s record includes:
Duct-taping a Black defendant’s mouth shut in open court
A documented attempt at improper ex parte communication, exposed by Judge Janet Burnside
Aligning himself with politically controversial figures.
These aren’t small misunderstandings. They represent deep concerns about power, humility, and accountability.
Cuyahoga County Democrats know the stakes: They cannot afford someone with this history shaping justice at the appellate level — especially in a county where Black residents disproportionately interact with the legal system.
That’s why they’re signaling: “We need another option.” And that option is Jeff Crossman.
So, Who Is Jeff Crossman?
If the name is familiar, it’s because Crossman has been in the fight for a long time.
He is:
A 20+ year attorney
A former Parma City Councilman
A former State Representative for Ohio House District 15
A 2022 statewide candidate for Attorney General
A legislator with a documented anti-corruption focus
Crossman built a reputation around government integrity, public accountability, and protecting everyday people from abuses of power and corporate misconduct.
His legal and policy career shows consistent themes:
✔ Fighting corruption (including during the Householder/FirstEnergy scandal)
✔ Supporting voting rights and fair districting
✔ Strengthening consumer protections
✔ Calling out abuses of authority in government and the justice system
✔ Advocating for fairness in sentencing and criminal justice
He is not flashy. He is not scandal-driven. He is a steady, competent, ethics-first attorney with a record you can read and verify.
Why His Candidacy Matters to Black Communities
This race is not symbolic. It speaks directly to justice in Cuyahoga County.
The Eighth District Court of Appeals plays a role in:
Reviewing trial court decisions
Overturning improper sentencing
Checking abuses of judicial power
Determining whether defendants — especially Black defendants — were treated fairly
When someone like Russo, with his history, tries to move upward, that affects all of us, not just the legal community.
Jeff Crossman represents the opposite direction:
No scandals
No humiliating defendants
No quiet backdoor behavior
A real record of standing against corruption and abuse
For Black voters who care about justice reform, judicial temperament, and accountability, this isn’t about replacing Russo with a savior — it’s about replacing him with someone who won’t further harm communities already fighting for fairness.
What This Means Going Forward
Black Vanguard Media will continue following this race closely.
In the coming weeks, we’ll break down:
✓ Crossman’s legislative voting record
✓ His positions on issues that affect Black Clevelanders
✓ His background as an attorney and policymaker
✓ How this race will impact the courts for years to come
Our role is simple: To keep you informed, empowered, and ahead of the headlines.
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