(This story has been updated to include new information)
LANCASTER — Six names were on the ballot to fill Lancaster’s City Council’s four at-large seats.
Current seat-holders, Alayna Hoop, Corey Schoonover, Michael Wing and Bob Wolfinger were rerunning along with two newcomers, Burt Conley and Rob Knisley.
All candidates are Republicans.
With just over 7,000 votes cast, some numbers are too close to call based on the unofficial results. Wolfinger received the most votes at 1,389, while Schoonover received 1,341. Hoop had the next highest at 1,242, which appears to be enough for the third seat.
The last open seat will likely need a recount before a final result is decided.
The State of Ohio says that any local results that are within 0.5 percent of each other are subject to an automatic recount. Knisley currently received 1,211 votes, or around .20 percent more than Wing’s 1,198 votes for the final seat.
Knisley works as a political director of Ohio Gun Owners and said he decided to run because he believes the city needs a conservative Republican who respects taxpayer dollars and said he would like a DOGE-type system in Lancaster.
“I want to thank almighty God for this unofficial victory. To all my supporters- thanks for your precious votes and for placing your trust in me to deliver bold and conservative leadership for the city,” said Knisley.
“Throughout the campaign one theme was made clear over and over again- the city is not going in the right direction, and I think the election results last night reflect that. The people of Lancaster know it’s time for change and I’m beyond blessed to be given the opportunity to serve this city and all it’s people,” he said.
Wing first began his term in January 2024 and also works in public affairs and Member of Benefits for a trade association. Wing’s main priority is maintaining and upholding small-government values.
“The results are close right now, I don’t know how things are gonna land, but regardless of how things turn out, I respect the will of the voters,” said Wing.
Hoop has lived in Lancaster for the last 15 years and invests in real estate while also taking care of her children. She says her focus is to be diligent with tax dollars and to be wise in Lancaster’s growth.
Schoonover is the Executive Director of Fairfield-area Humane Society. Schoonover said he would like to get back to everyone being neighborly and civil with each other, and maintaining Lancaster’s small-town feel.
Wolfinger is the City of Lancaster’s Finance Committee Chair and in January 2024, began his term for an at-large seat. He worked 38 years at National City Bank, working in corporate banking and following retirement, served as a treasurer for the city as well as the treasurer for the Lancaster Port Authority.
“I wish to congratulate the people who were successful in their campaign. I would also like to thank the other candidates for making a conscious decision to run for public office. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to do what they believe in and we certainly need to have more of that as we progress through future campaigns,” said Wolfinger. “Regardless of the final election totals, I’m looking forward to working with any of the new council people.”
All election results are unofficial until the local board certifies them.
May 10 is the last day for boards of elections to receive non-UOCAVA absentee ballots by mail that were postmarked on or before May 5. UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by the boards of elections by this date to be counted, according to the Ohio Secretary of State website.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Election results: 3 at-large seats won by familiar names, 1 more may need recount
Reporting by Ava Agoranos, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
