Tuscarawas County Sees Strong GOP Wins, Mixed Results on Local Issues
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 4, 2026) — Tuscarawas County voters delivered decisive victories for several Republican incumbents and candidates in Tuesday’s election. County Commissioner Kristin Zemis, Common Pleas Judge Ryan Styer, and County Auditor candidate Lisa Contini all secured strong leads in their respective races. In legislative contests, Michael Rulli won re‑election in the 6th Congressional District, Al Landis retained his seat in the 31st Ohio Senate District, and State Rep. Jodi Salvo earned another term representing Ohio House District 51.
Local ballot issues produced a mixed outcome across the county. Voters rejected the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities levy, raising concerns about the future of some non‑mandated services, including Starlight School. In the Claymont City School District, residents approved a tax‑reduction measure, a move Superintendent Brian Rentsch says will force difficult budget decisions. New Philadelphia’s parks levy was defeated, and voters in Barnhill approved dissolving the village, shifting services to Goshen Township and the county. Several proposed additional levies failed in communities including Tuscarawas Village and Bucks Township. Uhrichsville’s renewal also failed – though most renewal levies across the county passed with strong support.
Statewide, Democrat Amy Acton won Ohio’s governor’s race, becoming the first woman elected governor and the first Democrat to hold the office in 20 years. In the U.S. Senate contest, Democrat Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted, flipping the seat and returning to Washington to serve the remainder of the term originally won by Vice President JD Vance.
All results remain unofficial until certified.