From mental health to the Bengals' lease: Here are Cincinnati-area races you need to watch
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Here are some of the biggest ballot issues and races in the Cincinnati area, and how the results of these elections might shape Greater Cincinnati going forward.
Ohio's 1st Congressional District: Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman and U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot
Ohio is on the front lines of the battle for control of Congress.
National Democrats and Republicans are pouring millions of dollars into two Ohio congressional races ahead of the November election as they seek to claim the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
No doubt you've seen Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman and U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot on television lately in ads and debates. It's a competitive race with control of the U.S. House at stake.
The stakes are high. Republicans need a net gain of five seats to seize the House majority, and the political tide is in their favor. Although President Joe Biden's approval rating has slightly improved, the party that controls the White House tends to struggle during the midterms. And concerns about the economy are still top of mind for voters in Ohio and across the country.
The fight for the House:With control of Congress at stake, watch these Ohio congressional races
Issue 9: Hamilton County taxpayers will decide whether to pay more for mental health
In the past 15 years, the property tax for the mental health levy hasn't increased but the demand for mental health services has, counselors, patients and mental health professionals all agree.
This November, Hamilton County voters will be asked whether they are willing to pay more on their property taxes for mental health services.
Issue 9, if approved by voters, would raise the mental health property tax rate 32% and would be the first increase since 2007.
Learn more about Issue 9:What does the mental health levy pay for?
Hamilton County Commissioner: The future of the Bengals
This year's three-way race for county commissioner has stood out from others. For the first time in living memory, an independent candidate has mounted a serious campaign for a countywide office.
The race pits incumbent Democrat Stephanie Summerow Dumas against independent Christopher Smitherman and Republican Matt O'Neill.
The stakes are high. Whoever wins this race will play a major role in determining the future of the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Bengals' lease with Hamilton County for Paycor Stadium will expire in 2026 and negotiations will begin soon.
The three-member Hamilton County Board of Commissioners oversees the county's $324 million annual general fund budget that pays for the sheriff, prosecutors, auditor and other services. They also own and manage Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium.
Learn more about this race:Bengals lease at stake in unusual race for Hamilton County commissioner
Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds faces six public corruption charges. But he's running for reelection
Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds faces six public corruption charges. He's being sued for civil conspiracy. The local sheriff, a fellow Republican, has called for Reynolds to resign.
Yet Reynolds is running for reelection this November. And he stands a good chance of winning.
Reynolds ran unopposed in the Republican primary election in May and won. He is endorsed by the Butler County Republican Party and will face Democratic candidate and Oxford Township resident Mike Dalesandro in the November election.
Republicans dominate in Butler County, where former president Donald Trump won 61% to 37% in 2020. No Democrats represent Butler County on its county commission, in Columbus, or in Washington.
The Democrat running against Reynolds said he hopes county residents recognize the need for change, not just in the person in the party controlling the office.
Learn more:Indicted auditor Roger Reynolds runs for reelection, gets GOP endorsement
Ohio House race between Republican Jenn Giroux and Democrat Rachel Baker
Religion? Check. Abortion? Check. Accusations involving feces and sex toys? Check.
Cincinnati's East Side and eastern suburbs are home one of the more unusual and incendiary Ohio House contests, the race between Republican Jenn Giroux and Democrat Rachel Baker.
Residents of the27th House District received an uncensored, expletive-laden two-page letter in mid-October alleging harassment from a Facebook group called Beastside. That harassment included, among other things, a sex toy being sent by mail, the letter alleged.
Each woman calls the other one extreme.
More on this race:Religion, abortion and Anderson Township politics make for a volatile Ohio House race
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Important Hamilton County races and ballot issues you need to watch
