DELAWARE COUNTY — Voters across Delaware County headed to the polls Tuesday for the May 5 primary election, deciding key local races and weighing several tax levies.
Incumbent George Kaitsa won the Republican primary for county auditor and is expected to remain in office, while Renee Vaughan won the GOP primary for county commissioner and will move on to the November ballot.
Three of the four levies on Tuesday’s ballot were approved, while the Developmental Disabilities Board levy was narrowly defeated.
Voters approved all local liquor permit requests on Tuesday’s ballot.
About 24.29% of registered voters participated in the primary, with 40,386 ballots cast out of 166,234 voters.
Results are based on final, unofficial tallies from the Delaware County Board of Elections.
County Auditor
Incumbent Delaware County Auditor George Kaitsa defeated challenger Don Rankey in the Republican primary.
- George Kaitsa: 14,028 votes (67.61%)
- Don Rankey: 6,720 votes (32.39%)
Winner: George Kaitsa
No Democratic candidate has filed for the race, meaning Kaitsa, 82, is expected to run unopposed in November and will likely continue as the county’s auditor.
He thanked his wife Cheryl and his family for their support.
“I am humbled by the support of the voters who have chosen me to continue to serve. I look forward to serving the taxpayers of Delaware County with continued professionalism and integrity,” Kaitsa said.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support of the Delaware County Republican Party and the leadership of the party for their support for my reelection.
“I am very grateful for the endorsement and support from all the countywide officeholders for my reelection.”
The Delaware County auditor serves a four-year term and earns $119,149 annually as of 2026. The office is responsible for overseeing more than $528 million in annual revenue.
County Commissioner
Two Republicans competed to replace long-time Delaware County Commissioner Barb Lewis, who is not seeking reelection after more than a decade in office.
- Joe St. John: 8,913 votes (43.27%)
- Renee Vaughan: 11,685 votes (56.73%)
Winner: Renee Vaughan
On Tuesday night, Vaughan said was grateful to her family, supporters, and the many residents who took the time to engage throughout the campaign.
“This campaign has always been about ensuring Delaware County remains a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Vaughan said.
“As we look ahead to the general election this fall, I am committed to continuing this conversation with all residents: listening, learning, and sharing a common-sense approach to responsible growth, fiscal discipline, and accountable leadership.”
Vaughan will advance to the November general election and face Democrat Ryan Grissinger, who was unchallenged in the primary.
Local Levies
Developmental Disabilities Board levy
Voters rejected a renewal and increase levy of 2.7 mills for five years.
- For: 19,619 votes (49.28%)
- Against: 20,194 votes (50.72%)
Result: FAILED
Passage of the levy would have meant increased funding for programs, services and facility needs for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The DCBDD provides services for more than 2,300 residents, including children, adults and families.
Levy dollars also fund the county’s required local match for Medicaid waiver programs — the primary source of funding for long-term services. Those supports can include assistance with daily living, employment, transportation and home modifications.
The levy would have generated about $27.1 million annually.
Porter-Kingston Fire District levy
Voters approved an additional, continuing levy of 2.5 mills.
- For: 735 votes (54.24%)
- Against: 620 votes (45.76%)
Result: PASSED
Passage of the levy funds fire apparatus, equipment, buildings, ambulance services and personnel for the Porter-Kingston Fire District in Sunbury.
The levy is estimated to generate about $769,737 annually, or about $88 per $100,000 of home value, with collections beginning in 2027.
Fire Chief Mike Thompson previously told Delaware Source the levy will support 24-hour staffing and help offset rising equipment costs.
Shawnee Hills Police levy
Voters approved an additional levy of 1.75 mills for five years.
- For: 141 votes (57.55%)
- Against: 104 votes (42.45%)
Result: PASSED
Passage of the levy will fund vehicles, equipment, buildings and salaries for the Shawnee Hills Police Department, just west of Powell.
The levy is estimated to generate about $99,512 annually, or about $61 per $100,000 of home value, beginning in 2027.
Police Chief Russell Baron previously told Delaware Source the department relies on the village’s general fund but uses levy funding to maintain services.
Orange Township Fire Department levy
Voters approved an additional levy of 2 mills for five years.
- For: 3,287 votes (58.85%)
- Against: 2,298 votes (41.15%)
Result: PASSED
Passage of the levy will support fire equipment, buildings, ambulance services and personnel for the Orange Township Fire Department in Delaware.
The levy is expected to generate about $4.56 million annually, or about $70 per $100,000 of home value, with collections beginning in 2027.
Fire Chief Nathan McNeil previously told Delaware Source the levy would help sustain operations and allow the department to plan ahead.
The department is also funded by a separate 7-mill renewal levy approved by voters in 2024.
Liquor Permits
Voters approved all local liquor permit requests on Tuesday’s ballot.
All are classified as “D permits,” which allow on-premises alcohol sales at bars, restaurants and carryout locations, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
Delaware
- Open Bottle Wine and Spirits, 20 E. William St.
- For: 280 votes (87.23%)
- Against: 41 votes (12.77%)
- Result: APPROVED
- Hallihans, 12 W. William St.
- For: 281 votes (87.81%)
- Against: 39 votes (12.19%)
- Result: APPROVED
- Sand Bar Station, 59 Potter St.
- For: 83 votes (64.34%)
- Against: 46 votes (35.66%)
- Result: APPROVED
Powell / Liberty Township
- Liberty Premium Wine & Craft Beer, 4290 Home Road, Suite H
- For: 177 votes (80.09%)
- Against: 44 votes (19.91%)
- Result: APPROVED
Upcoming development
- LongHorn Steakhouse (U.S. Route 23 area)
- For: 105 votes (84.68%)
- Against: 19 votes (15.32%)
- Result: APPROVED
What’s next
Tuesday’s results remain unofficial until they are certified by the Delaware County Board of Elections during its official canvass on May 19. A recount would only occur if a race falls within Ohio’s 0.5% threshold.
