Honestly, walking into a polling place in Scioto County feels a bit different than it used to. There’s a specific kind of energy in Southern Ohio—a mix of old-school civic duty and a very modern, sharp-edged political focus. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know that the Scioto County election results aren't just numbers on a screen; they’re the literal blueprint for how our roads get fixed, who patrols the streets, and how much we're actually paying in taxes next year.
The most recent general election saw a massive turnout, with 31,496 out of 44,713 registered voters showing up. That’s a 70.44% turnout rate. For a county that sometimes feels forgotten by the big wheels in Columbus, that’s a loud statement. People are paying attention.
The Big Picture: Top of the Ticket
It’s no secret that Scioto County is a deep shade of red these days. While the national news focuses on "swing states," folks in Portsmouth and West Portsmouth have pretty much settled on their direction. In the race for President, Donald Trump dominated the local landscape, pulling in 22,978 votes. That’s a staggering lead over Kamala Harris, who managed 7,927.
But it’s not just about the White House. The U.S. Senate race was arguably more interesting for local policy. Bernie Moreno secured 20,509 votes here, comfortably outpacing Sherrod Brown’s 8,935. It shows a clear trend: the "blue-collar Democrat" stronghold that used to define the Ohio River Valley has largely shifted its allegiance.
Who’s Running the County Now?
Local races are where things get personal. You see these people at the grocery store or the high school football games. In the 2024 cycle, the Republican sweep wasn't just at the top; it went all the way down the ballot.
The Sheriff and the Courts
David Thoroughman held his ground as Sheriff, a role that’s arguably one of the most visible in the county. When you're dealing with the ongoing drug crisis and the specific logistical nightmares of policing rural Appalachian terrain, the Sheriff isn't just a figurehead. He’s the guy people call when things go sideways at 3:00 AM.
The judicial seats saw some definitive action too.
- Megan E. Shanahan (Republican) pulled 21,116 votes for the Supreme Court FTC 1-1-2025.
- Joseph T. Deters (Republican) took 20,765 for the FTC 1-2-2025 seat.
- Daniel R. Hawkins (Republican) earned 21,033 for the UTE 12-31-2026 seat.
Basically, the bench is looking very conservative for the foreseeable future. This matters because these judges handle everything from local business disputes to major criminal appeals that filter up through the district.
The 2025 Local Shift: Trustees and School Boards
While the big general elections get the headlines, the 2025 local elections—often called "off-year" elections—are where the rubber meets the road. If you live in New Boston or Portsmouth, the people elected here have more direct control over your daily life than anyone in D.C. ever will.
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened With the Aircraft Crash in Florida Today
In the Portsmouth City Council races, things got tight. For the Ward 5 seat, Chris Neff beat out Edwin Martell with 269 votes to 161. Over in New Boston, the Council Member race saw Ryan Ottney (Democrat) taking 93 votes, narrowly edging out Jon Mills (85) and Michael Meehan (84). It's proof that in small-town politics, ten people changing their minds can literally change the leadership of the village.
Township Trustees: The Backbone of the County
Townships are the soul of Scioto County. In Bloom Township, Duane Hagen (343 votes) and Ron Kanouse (280) were the clear favorites for the Trustee positions. Meanwhile, in Washington Township, Scott Bauer and Jim McGraw held their spots.
These roles might sound boring, but they manage the cemeteries, the zoning, and the local fire protection contracts. If your road doesn't get plowed in January, these are the folks you're calling to complain.
Why These Results Matter for Your Wallet
Let's talk about the part everyone hates: taxes. Every election cycle comes with a laundry list of levies. In 2024 and 2025, we saw a mix of renewals and new requests.
A lot of people get confused by the "millage" talk. Basically, one mill is $1 for every $1,000 of your property’s assessed value. When the county asks for a 4.0 mill levy for children's services or senior citizens, they aren't just asking for pocket change. For a $100,000 home, we’re talking hundreds of dollars a year.
Historically, Scioto County voters have been pretty supportive of "human services" levies—things that help kids and the elderly. But they've been getting more skeptical about new school bonds. The 2024 results showed a community that's willing to pay for what’s necessary but is keeping a very tight grip on the checkbook otherwise.
🔗 Read more: The Incident at Petrich: What Really Happened During the War of the Stray Dog
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps for Voters
The dust has settled on the most recent counts, but the impact is just starting. If you’re a resident, the Scioto County election results shouldn't be the end of your involvement.
First, check your local school board's meeting schedule. Many of the new members elected in the 2025 cycle are just now taking their seats. They’re making decisions on curriculum and budgets that affect the next decade of local education.
Second, keep an eye on the County Auditor’s website. With the new levies passed, your property tax bill might look a bit different in 2026. Understanding the breakdown between "inside millage" (what the state allows without a vote) and "outside millage" (what we just voted for) can help you plan your household budget.
Finally, if you weren't one of the 70% who showed up, make sure your registration is current for the next primary. In a county this red, the primary is often where the actual "winner" is decided before the general election even starts.
✨ Don't miss: Recent Car Accidents in Broward County: What the Data Isn't Telling You
The political landscape here isn't just changing; it’s hardening. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing depends on who you ask at the local diner, but one thing is certain: Scioto County knows how to make its voice heard.
Actionable Insights for Scioto County Residents:
- Verify Property Tax Changes: Visit the Scioto County Auditor's public access portal to see how recent levy approvals will impact your specific parcel.
- Attend Township Meetings: Trustees for Bloom, Washington, and Porter townships meet monthly; these are the best places to voice concerns about local infrastructure.
- Monitor School Board Decisions: With new members in districts like Minford and Clay, stay updated on upcoming budget votes that were predicated on recent election results.