Contested Republican primary races for Circleville mayor, city council and London mayor

There are only a handful of contested candidate races on the May 2 primary ballot in central Ohio outside of Franklin County.

In Circleville, Pickaway County, two Republicans are running for mayor and four Republicans are vying for three at-large positions on city council.

And in London, Madison County, the mayor is facing a challenger in the Republican primary.

Circleville mayor

Two Republicans, city councilwoman Michelle L. Blanton and local businessman Dave Horning, are running for Circleville mayor, a four-year term commencing on Jan. 1, 2024.

Circleville’s current mayor, Donald R. McIlroy, who took office in 2012, is running unopposed for a ward council seat.

Whoever wins the Republican mayoral primary will face Zack Brooks — a Democrat who is unopposed in the primary — in the Nov. 7 general election.

Michelle L. Blanton 

Blanton, 37, is the university registrar at Ohio Christian University and has been a city council member since she was first elected in 2017.

Candidate statement: “People should vote for me because I am the most qualified, conservative candidate in this race. My experience on City Council, involvement in the community and professional experience have prepared me to help Circleville become the best place it can be for all its residents.”

Dave Horning

Horning, 69, is a certified valuation analyst (CVA).

Candidate statement: “If elected, I will use my business background (45 years) and education (MBA)  to bring federal and state grant money and economic development to the City of Circleville so that our high school and college graduates can find jobs and housing here, and thus settle here.”

Circleville City Council

Four Republicans are running for three at-large city council seats: current council members Katie Logan Hedges and Sheri Theis, as well as Thomas Klitzka and Tom Spring.

Hedges, 37, has served on city council since 2018 and is the chief operating officer of FORJAK Industrial in Circleville.

Klitzka, 67, is a realtor at ERA Martin & Associates. Klitzka has a masters in public administration from Troy University.

Spring, 67, is a local attorney with a degree from Capital University Law School.

Theis, 56, has served on city council since 2018 and is the owner of Creative Interiors Decorating.

London mayor

Incumbent Patrick J. Closser and City Council President Henry Comer are competing in the Republican primary for mayor of London, a four-year term beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

Patrick J. Closser

Closser, 44, has been the mayor of London for 7 ½ years and is endorsed by the Madison County Republican Party. He is the owner of Casey’s Carry-Out & Drive-Thru.

Candidate statement: “I will continue to work on our aging infrastructure including storm sewers, roads and utility lines. I will also continue to add to the millions of dollars we have received in grants taking some of the financial burden off of the taxpayers. Adding recreational opportunities and spurring economic growth are always goals of my effective and efficient administration. For more information about my proven leadership and proven results please visit mayorclosser.com.”

Henry Comer

Comer, 49, has been London's city council president since January 2020. He owns a childcare center.

Candidate statement: “What I will do once elected mayor is to improve the infrastructure of our city, so that we can grow into the future. Our infrastructure is aged in failing, and will need to be upgraded in order to facilitate the new growth that is headed our direction. I will listen to the community put them first and be sure to lead according to their wishes. I am a mayor for all people of London.”

In West Jefferson, Madison County, there will be no primary for mayor because there were two only candidates running in the nonpartisan election, they automatically advance to the general election. Incumbent Mayor Ray Martin will face challenger Michael Conway in the general election on Nov 7.

Previous election reporting: Charter glitch forces unnecessary, costly Gahanna mayoral primary

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Circleville, London to hold Republican primaries for mayor, council