Lang, Nohe win commission races while Taylor, Ritter retain representative seats
From left, Democratic County Commissioner candidate John Rauch shakes hands with incumbent Republican Greg Nohe after Tuesday evening's election results confirmed Nohe’s win. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Democratic County Commissioner candidate Brian Whalin speaks to his hopes for the commission moving forward after the election results were released Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left, Democratic County Commissioner candidate John Rauch shakes hands with incumbent Republican Greg Nohe after Tuesday evening's election results confirmed Nohe’s win. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Democratic County Commissioner candidate Brian Whalin speaks to his hopes for the commission moving forward after the election results were released Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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MARIETTA - Washington County elects Stephanie Lang and incumbent Greg Nohe for Washington County Commissioner. Incumbent David Taylor, R OH-2, maintains his seat as the U.S. Representative for District 2 and incumbent Kevin Ritter-R retained control of Ohio State Representative for District 94.
After winning the Republican primary against Eddie Place, Stephanie Lang won against Brian Whalin for Washington County Commissioner with 65.53% of votes.
With 50 precincts reporting, Lang received 14,682 votes to Whalin's 7,722.
"I said I was going to have a wonderful time and I did...I don't regret it," Whalin said. "I hope that we can continue to put up decent candidates...and I'll be around. We're going to be in Washington County for the rest of our lives."
On Wednesday following the results Lang said, "I feel like for my election people voted with their hearts. I want...to be that voice for the people, and that's what really matters. ... I want to be a good listener, and prayerfully consider the pros and cons, and do my research and put my best foot forward."
Incumbent Greg Nohe won against Democrat John Rauch and Independent Justin Harris for the unexpired term for Washington County Commissioner with 50.14% of votes.
With 50 precincts reporting, Nohe received 11,321 votes to Rauch's 7,263 and Harris's 3,996.
"I think the citizens of this county know me and know what my stance is. I've been doing it in this county for 40 years, so it's very pleasing that they have the confidence in me and they know the leadership that I bring to the table," Nohe said.
After the unofficial results Tuesday, Rauch addressed attendees during an election watch party at the Washington County Democratic Headquarters in Marietta.
"I lost an election, but look at the friends I made. That's worth more than the election. I don't plan to sit on the sidelines," Rauch said. "We've made some serious (progress) with getting some of (the issues surrounding injection wells and NDAs) fixed...Thank you all so much for your support. I really appreciate it, I think we've run a good race."
Incumbent David Taylor won against Democrat Jen Mazzuckelli for the U.S. Representative for District 2 with 62.24% of votes.
According to the Ohio Secretary of State, Taylor received 175,411 votes to Mazzuckelli's 97,638.
"Thank you for putting your trust in me. (District 2) is my home, and representing the people, families, and communities here is the greatest privilege of my life...Our work is just beginning. Let's keep moving forward together," Taylor said in a Facebook post following the results Tuesday night.
In the race for Ohio's 94th House District, incumbent Republican Kevin Ritter defeated Democratic candidate Wenda Sheard, receiving 25,078 votes, or 60.87% across Meigs, Athens and Washington counties, according to unofficial results. Sheard received 16,119 total votes, or 39.13%.
Ritter credited the efforts of campaign supporters who encouraged residents to vote.
"I'm very pleased that we turned out the Republican voters that we did in the district," Ritter said. "I am just very appreciative of all the folks that worked to turn votes out."
Looking ahead to the next General Assembly, Ritter said his priorities would rely on the distribution of leadership positions and committee assignments.
"There are going to be positions that need to be filled as far as chairmanships and vice chairmanships and leadership," he said. "Really, I just want to be of use to the people of the district and use to the caucus."
Ritter said where he fits into that structure would help determine his legislative priorities.
Sheard acknowledged her loss during remarks to her supporters at the Washington County Democratic Headquarters Tuesday, but said the campaign had accomplished goals beyond the election result - including recruiting volunteers, encouraging newcomers to consider running for office and giving voters a choice on the ballot.
"We've won by bringing newcomers into our campaign and empowering them to run for office," Sheard said. "I'm looking at all you young ones here."
She urged supporters to remain involved in state government by attending legislative proceedings and testifying at committee hearings. She pledged to join them in Columbus and continue advocating for the concerns raised during the campaign.
"To everyone who worked on our campaign in whatever capacity, at whatever level, to everyone here and beyond who donated their time, talent, or treasure, to everyone who cast their ballot in our direction, I thank you," she said. "I promise you, our work will continue to make our government work for the people."
Sophie Wheeler can be reached at swheeler@newsandsentinel.com.
Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.