The Ohio primary election was held last Tuesday, March 19th. As reported on election night, the election brought some new faces to government while voters also elected several incumbents who were already on the job. Overall, there were 6,602 ballots cast, all but several hundred were Republican ballots.
In the race for Commissioner, West Union resident Jason Hayslip defeated the other two candidates: incumbent Teresa Diane Ward and Tony Hawes. Ward was first elected in 2016 and had previously served as the Clerk of the Board of Commissioners and Franklin Township Fiscal Officer. She is the first woman to ever be elected County Commissioner. Hayslip received 2,828 votes; Ward received 1,696 and Hawes received 1,155 votes.
Commissioner-Elect Jason Hayslip had this to say upon learning he was victorious in the contest: “I am deeply grateful to all those who have shown their support and bestowed upon me their vote, assistance, and prayers that made my success possible,” said Hayslip. “I am committed to facing the challenges ahead and collaborating with county residents and colleagues to achieve favorable results. I eagerly anticipate our future achievements. Let us acknowledge the dedication of my opponents and extend our best wishes to them. Once more, I cannot adequately convey my appreciation and gratitude – thank you!”
Commissioner Barbara Moore handily defeated her challengers, Troy Dotson and Jeremy Caldwell. “I appreciate the trust and confidence of Adams County voters,” said Moore. “We’ve accomplished much for the people of Adams County. It has been a pleasure working with Commissioner Ward and I’m now looking forward to addressing the issues of the day with Commissioner-Elect Hayslip and Commissioner Jones. I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens.” Moore received 2,211 votes; Caldwell received 1,725 votes and Dotson received 1,558.
In the race for the hotly contested position of County Sheriff, Kenneth W. Dick squeezed out a victory over Bob Ruebusch and Donnie Edgington. Dick received 1,550 votes; Ruebusch received 1,487 and Donnie Edgington received 1,448. The top three candidates all finished with a difference of 102 votes. The other candidates in the race Mike Estep received 720; Samuel Purdin received 411 and Shawn D. Cooley received 320 votes. Dick will take office next year and replace retiring Sheriff Kimmy Rogers, who will have served as Sheriff for 16 years. “I am honored to be your next Sheriff and, as such, vow to use my character and experience to collaborate and serve the great people of Adams County,” said Dick.
In the race for State Representative, Justin Pizzulli cruised to victory. Pizzulli handily defeated challengers Gina Collinsworth and Timothy Wheeler. In Adams County, Pizzulli received 2,872 votes compared to 1,530 for Collinsworth and 1,032 for Wheeler. Pizzulli had a commanding win in the county, having defeated his nearest challenger by 24 points. Pizzulli told the Informer that he was humbled by the large win. “Congratulations to our incredible volunteers, whose unwavering passion for our community fuels our continued fight for Southern Ohio,” said Pizzulli. “Each of you has generously dedicated countless hours of your precious time, from meticulously planning fundraisers to tirelessly knocking on doors. A heartfelt thank you to the Scioto and Adams County Republican Parties and our esteemed local officeholders for their support.”
In the race for Congress, Adams County will see a new face, following the retirement of incumbent Congressman Brad Wenstrup. David Taylor of Clermont County was the clear winner on Tuesday. Taylor owns Sardinia Ready Mix and has also served as an Assistant Prosecutor in Clermont County. Taylor won in Adams County and received enough votes in Clermont and several other counties to win the seat. The district is one of the most Republican in the nation and the primary win helps set up Taylor for an easy win this fall.
The only local race that will have opposition in the fall is the Office of Prosecuting Attorney. Incumbent Republican Prosecutor Aaron Haslam is being challenged by Democrat David Osborne Jr. For complimentary votes in the primary, Haslam received 4,354 and Osborne received 504.
