First-Time Candidates Shine as County Leadership Expands

Historic wins in Mason; breakthrough in Franklin; increased competitiveness in Lebanon; and community investment affirmed across Warren County.

Warren County, OH — Warren County voters delivered a powerful message in this year’s local elections, with unexpectedly higher turnout at 30.9% for an off-year election. More voters are growing tired of the MAGA Republican division and outdated policies that hurt Warren County families ability to thrive. Across the county, voters embraced new leaders, first-time candidates, and community-focused issues, signaling a turning point in civic engagement and local democracy.

The energy and outcomes reflect a multi-year organizing effort by community leaders and volunteers, and local Democrats to build deeper civic engagement, expand candidate pipelines, and ensure voters have real choices at the ballot box in every community.

“This election proves something fundamental: when we organize, we compete – and when we compete, we win,” said Warren County Democratic Party Chair Kelly Sakalas. “From Mason to Franklin, voters chose candidates who listen, collaborate, and lead with care for their community. This election isn’t just about wins – it’s about building a Democratic foundation for the future.”

Mason and Deerfield Township Sweep Signals a New Era of Civic Power

In Mason and Deerfield Township – the county’s largest population corridor and a bellwether for regional trends – voters once again demonstrated that community-focused leadership resonates strongly with families and residents. These wins strengthen momentum not just locally, across the county, helping advance Democratic and community-minded initiatives.

All five Warren County Democratic Party preferred candidates won their races as top vote-getters, including two first-time candidates – marking a historic sweep in a community that just a few years ago struggled to field Democratic-aligned candidates. They bring important diversity in race and gender as well as their experience and backgrounds that better reflects the communities these leaders will serve.

Deerfield Township Trustee:

• Kristin Malhotra, re-elected without opposition, Vice President of Trustees

Mason City Council:

• Dr. Kim Singh, first-time candidate, top vote-getter, mental health provider, and administrator
• Murali Swamy, first-time candidate, second in top votes, and local business leader

Mason School Board: 

• Ian Orr, re-elected Board President, top vote-getter
• Danni Tymitz, second in top votes and educator,

Singh and Swamy join Democrat Joy Bennett on council; Orr and Tymitz join Democrat Matt Steele on the school board; and Malhotra continues her service in Deerfield Township – demonstrating a new wave of leadership in Warren County’s fastest growing communities.

“This progress shows what’s possible when every neighborhood gets involved,” Sakalas said. “As Mason and Deerfield Township continue to grow in regional influence, their momentum reflects and strengthens a county-wide movement for community-centered leadership.”

Countywide Growth: New Wins & Growing Competitive Landscape

And that rising tide isn’t limited to our largest communities – we are seeing strong gains and energized voters in districts across the county.

Franklin: 

• John Wheeler, a first-time candidate, secured a seat on the Franklin School Board – demonstrating rising competition and voter appetite for collaborative leadership.

Lebanon: 

• Jessi Ellis-Alvarez, Ian McPherson, and Esther Larson ran values-driven campaigns, expanding voter choice in a traditionally uncontested race and building long-term democratic infrastructure.

“We are proud of every candidate who stepped forward,” Sakalas said. Even in races where we did not cross the finish line first, we moved the community forward – expanding democratic participation, increasing visibility, and giving voters real choices.”

Community Investments Affirmed – Levies Pass Across Warren County

Voters also supported major public investments across the county, affirming shared priorities for our public safety and public schools:

• Little Miami School Levy – PASSED
• Springboro School Levy – PASSED
• Kings School Levy – PASSED
• Clearcreek Township Police Levy – PASSED
• Harlin Township Fire Levy – PASSED
• Franklin Fire Levy – PASSED
• Carlisle Schools – averted rollback

“These votes send a clear signal: residents across Warren County – rural, suburban and urban – want safe neighborhoods and excellent public schools,” Sakalas said. “Our values are community values.”

Election Night Victory Facts

• Turnout Higher than typical off-year election (30.9%)
• Mason 4/4 preferred candidates won (historic sweep) and all top vote-getters
• Deerfield Township Kristin Malhotra re-elected, uncontested
• New Leaders 3 first-time candidates elected (Mason + Franklin)
• Competitive Races Lebanon slate expanded voter choice + energy
• Public Funding Every major community-support levy passed, with one exception

A Turning Point for Warren County

Historically one of the most reliably conservative counties in Ohio, Warren County continues to see rising civic engagement, competitive races, and Democratic growth.

“Warren County once struggled to recruit candidates in many areas,” Sakalas said. “This year, we recruited, organized, and won. First-time candidates are stepping into leadership roles countywide, and voters are responding. When we care for our neighbors and invest in our communities, everyone wins.”

The Warren County Democratic Party now turns its focus to 2026 where they will elect Democrats up and down the ballot including Sherrod Brown and Greg Landsman.

About the Warren County Democratic Party
The Warren County Democratic Party works to build a stronger, more inclusive, and civically engaged community, supporting leaders who reflect our values of fairness, transparency, public service, and care for all residents. We believe in schools that lift up every child, safe neighborhoods for every family, and a democracy where every voice matters.