Tiffin, Ohio — The Seneca County Democratic Party is emerging from the May 5 primary with renewed energy and growing momentum heading into the general election.
Early voting data points to a significant shift in voter engagement across the county. Democratic ballot requests increased 43 percent compared to 2022, while Republican ballot requests rose just 3 percent. In a county long viewed as politically independent and not traditionally considered competitive, party leaders say the numbers reflect changing political dynamics and increased grassroots enthusiasm.
Overall Democratic turnout in Seneca County reached 148 percent, with the county adding approximately 700 Democratic voters during the primary election while Republican turnout declined by roughly 300 voters. Similar trends were also seen in neighboring Sandusky County, where Democratic turnout reached 146 percent with more than 1,100 additional Democratic voters participating.
Within Ohio’s 26th Senate District, Seneca County ranked fourth in Democratic turnout, trailing only Marion County — the district’s most populous county — by fewer than 60 votes.
The primary also produced several notable developments at both the local and federal levels. Brian Shaver, a native of Fostoria and current Fostoria City Council President, secured the Democratic nomination for Ohio’s 5th Congressional District. Shaver is believed to be the first Seneca County native in recent memory to appear on the congressional ballot in the district. He emerged from a competitive four-way primary, defeating Martin Heberling III by 3 percent, Daniel Burket by 4 percent, and Scott Tabor by more than 7.5 percent.
Democrats are also pointing to increasing momentum behind Aaron Jones, candidate for State Representative in Ohio’s 88th House District. Jones emerged from the primary unified and has reportedly seen increased grassroots support across the district heading into the fall campaign. He is set to face incumbent Gary Click, who narrowly survived a contested Republican primary and lost Seneca County to challenger Eric Watson by nearly 10 percent, despite carrying Sandusky County by approximately 15 percent.
At the statewide level, Democrats highlighted strong participation in several high-profile primary races. Amy Acton and David Pepper together received nearly 90,000 more votes than Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. In other statewide contests, John Kulewicz defeated Elliot Forhan by 27 percent, while Allison Russo defeated Bryan Hambley by 35 percent in their respective Democratic primaries.
Seneca County Democratic Party Chairwoman Gina Grandillo was also elected to the Democratic State Central Committee after carrying Sandusky, Seneca, Union, and Wyandot counties, defeating Brandi Downs by 4 percent overall.
“This level of participation is not accidental,” Grandillo said. “It reflects months of grassroots organizing, community engagement, and a growing sense among voters that their voices matter. Seneca County has always had a strong independent streak, and when people are given a real choice, this community shows up for democracy.”
Grandillo said local Democrats intend to continue building on the momentum heading into November.
“There is real energy here, and it did not happen overnight,” she said. “We have been putting in the work, and we intend to build on it. Onward.”
She also warned against complacency despite encouraging turnout trends.
“These results are encouraging, but nobody is taking November for granted,” Grandillo said. “The stakes are too high, and there is still a tremendous amount of work ahead.”
With increased participation, competitive races, and expanded representation at the state level, Seneca County Democrats say they are entering the general election season with organization, focus, and confidence.
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