Eva J. Yarger for Judge
Why I am Asking You to Vote for Me on Tuesday, May 5, 2026
We have an ongoing crisis involving teens and families in our country.
Currently used solutions are limited and not always as just as I believe they could be. We have an opportunity – now – to not only build on what our Van Wert County Juvenile Court has achieved, but also to seek fresh perspectives, partnerships, and solutions.
Our courts play a vital role to protect the rule of law to ensure equal justice and maintain public confidence. I want to take my experience with the court as an advocate and my knowledge of what is possible with the system to the bench. I promise to listen carefully, apply the law impartially, and treat every person who comes before the court with dignity and respect.
I would appreciate your vote on May 5th.
Republican Primary Candidate for Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Judge
Experience, accountability, and dedication to the people of Van Wert County.
Meet Eva
Early Life
I was born in Van Wert County. My father, a WWII Navy veteran, was an officer with the Ohio State Highway Patrol posted here in Van Wert County. My mother grew up a farmer's daughter during the Depression in Paulding County – a place her family helped settle back in the early 1800's. Growing up, my siblings and I were raised on the importance of law and order and that if you "waste not," you will "want not."
Education
Because my father was on the Highway Patrol, our family moved around the state a lot. I eventually graduated from Elida High School. I attended The Ohio State University, graduating cum laude with a BA in political science. I continued my education and completed my law degree at Arizona State University.
Community Involvement
- VW County Foundation Board
- VW County Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- VW Civic Theatre Donor
- Wassenberg Art Center Board
- VW County Township Association
- VW Rotary Member
- Westwood Behavioral Past Board Member
- OSU Lima Past Board Member
- VW Council on Aging Past Board Member
- VW County Foundation Board Member
- VW Area Chamber of Commerce Past Board Member
- JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute 2012
Law Career
Eager to begin my adult life, I returned home – to Van Wert County – to practice law. I was in private practice from 1989 until winning the election for Prosecuting Attorney in 2016. In addition to my private law practice, I also worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1997 until becoming the full-time elected Prosecutor in 2017. In February 2026, I was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fulfill Judge Kevin H. Taylor's unexpired term in the Van Wert Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division due to Judge Taylor's retirement at the end of 2025.
While in private practice, I worked with families in domestic relations cases (divorces, dissolutions, custody issues), adoptions, wills, bankruptcy, and real estate. As an Assistant Prosecutor, I worked for the Van Wert County Child Support Enforcement Agency and Van Wert Children's Services. My work with Children's Services included assisting children caught in abuse and neglect cases, and I prosecuted any felony cases involving child sexual or physical abuse. Because much of my work has been in Juvenile Court, I am very familiar with how Juvenile Court works – and how it should work.
Judicial Appointment
On February 2, 2026, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Eva J. Yarger to the Van Wert Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division. She assumed the office on February 17, taking the vacated seat of Judge Kevin H. Taylor, who retired at the end of 2025. She will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and must run for election in 2026 to retain the seat.
Get Involved
Currently, I am actively canvassing countywide, door-to-door to speak with as many voters as possible prior to the primary election on May 5, 2026. I look forward to the opportunity to answer your questions about me, the voting process, the office of Van Wert County Juvenile/Probate Judge, or any other relevant topics that concern you. I also invite you to email me with your questions or concerns.
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