Jan 15, 2025 By Mike Jones 2 min read

Judge John DiSalle has filed paperwork to run for retention for Washington County Court of Common Pleas.

DiSalle, who has served on the bench since first being elected in 2005 and later winning a second 10-year term when he ran for retention in 2015, said he wants to continue serving as judge to oversee the court’s specialized programs that help people with substance abuse.

“My main goal is to continue the treatment courts, the problem-solving courts and keep it going,” DiSalle said Tuesday. “I think it’s an important part of the justice system – reformative justice – and I hope to continue those efforts and help people to turn their lives around and reduce recidivism and be productive members for society.”

DiSalle served as president judge of the Washington County Courthouse from early 2021 until stepping aside last January and handing the gavel to Judge Gary Gilman. At the time of his announcement to step down as president judge, DiSalle did not indicate whether he planned to run for retention again in this year’s November election.

“I certainly took into account my age and health and the prospects of keeping the treatment court continuing depending on my decision,” DiSalle said of his decision to file for retention. “I’ve been directly involved in it and I hope it will continue and want to make sure that it does.”

DiSalle received more than 73% of the vote when he ran for retention in 2015. Judges running for retention must garner a simple majority to secure another 10-year term on the bench.