A new general and domestic relations judge is taking the bench at the Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court.

Ryan Styer was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill a vacant seat left by the resignation of Judge Elizabeth Thomakos. Styer will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and must run for election in November 2026 to retain the seat.

Judge Styer previously served as the Tuscarawas County prosecuting attorney.

While he said he will miss the prosecutor’s office tremendously, Styer said he is looking forward to his next chapter.

“I know I can have a huge impact, and I intend to build a courtroom where all are treated with dignity, the law is respected, and the decisions are honest, fair, and just,” said Judge Styer.

Judge Styer is a 1998 graduate of the University of Akron School of Law. His legal career began in 1996 as a legal intern before he joined Brian Law Offices as an associate in 1998. One year later, he became a partner at Styer Law Offices.

During that time, he also served as assistant public defender in Carroll County and as the village solicitor of Newcomerstown from 2004 to 2008.