ATHENS, Ohio — Incumbent Athens County Commissioner Charlie Adkins handily defeated independent challenger Jon Rose to retain his seat in the Nov. 5 general election, according to unofficial election night results from the Athens County Board of Elections.
Almost 65% of registered voters in Athens County cast ballots in the general election this year, down from 67% in 2020.
Adkins won 64% of votes cast for his seat. Democrat Taylor Sappington, on the other hand, crushed write-in candidate Dawn Deputy with over 93% of the vote for Athens County treasurer.
Adkins’ seat and the treasurer’s office were the only contested local races on Athens County ballots.
Adkins told a crowd of supporters at the Pigskin on Tuesday night, “I’m going to do what I’ve always done. I’m going to make decisions – I don’t care about the issue. It’s going to be what I think is best for Athens County, and sometimes I’ll catch hell for that … but that’s just who I am.”
Adkins declined an interview with the Independent, citing what he described as unfair previous coverage.
Adkins was first elected county commissioner in 2012. He is now on track to begin his fourth term next year. This wasn’t the first time Adkins faced an independent challenger. Bill Hayes ran against Adkins in 2020, winning 37% of the vote.
Rose did not fare better, despite controversies that dogged the final weeks of Adkins’ campaign. Adkins generated rebuke from representatives of the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia for his stance against the county providing membership dues. Around the same time, Rose held a press conference challenging Adkins over his handling of Athens County Emergency Medical Services.
Rose told the Independent, “This is not the end, this is just the beginning.” He said he is proud of his “grassroots” campaign.
Despite an end to the commissioners’ race, “I’m going to continue to fight for the people who need and whose voices need to be heard in Southeast Ohio and in Athens County. I’m going to continue to be a thorn in the side of any government official who can turn a blind eye to people in need,” Rose said.
Nelsonville City Auditor to become next county treasurer
Democratic candidate Taylor Sappington won a whopping 93% of the vote to become the next Athens County Treasurer, according to unofficial results from the Athens County Board of Elections. Write-in votes totaled 6.66%, with write-in candidate Dawn Deputy failing to make much of a dent against Sappington.
“I am pretty stoked,” Sappington told the Independent. “I’m proud to earn what seems to be … 93% of the voters support tonight, and just excited to get to work.”
Sappington said his first priority following the election will be a successful transition from his role as Nelsonville city auditor, amid uncertainty in the city following the successful initiative to abolish the city charter.
Sappington has served as Nelsonville City Auditor since 2020. He has been part of Nelsonville city government even longer, previously serving four years on Nelsonville City Council.
He has run for higher office on multiple previous occasions, mounting unsuccessful campaigns for Ohio State Auditor in 2020 and for the Ohio House in 2018.
When he takes office as treasurer, Sappington said he will prioritize “getting to know the staff, and seeing how I can help them achieve and accomplish their goals too, because one of my big priorities is the success and growth and empowerment of the workers who make it happen.”
Deputy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. She did, however, issue a press release.
“While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, I am incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and the values I stand for,” Deputy said in the press release. “Although I did not achieve the result I aimed for, this is not the end of my journey. I remain committed to advocating for the issues that matter to the citizens of Athens County and continue to work towards a better future for our community.”
Deputy congratulated Sappington on his win.
Democratic incumbents win uncontested races
Adkins and Sappington were the only candidates who faced opponents in local races; the rest were all unopposed. Returning incumbents for county offices include Athens County Prosecuting Attorney Keller Blackburn; Commissioner Chris Chmiel; Clerk of Courts Candy Russell; Sheriff Rodeny Smith; Recorder Jessica Markins; Engineer Jeff Maiden; and Coroner Carl Ortman.
Two Republicans, Jason P. Smith and Mike Hess, were elected to the Fourth District Court of Appeals.
Shiloh Antonuccio contributed reporting to this story.
