The incumbent Delaware County auditor has a significant lead over a former Delaware County treasurer, who was challenging him in the Republican primary, according to early, unofficial election results.
Delaware County Auditor George Kaitsa was leading 67.50% to 32.50% over Don Rankey with 97 of 180 precincts reporting, according to unofficial results on the Delaware County Board of Elections website at 9:40 p.m. The two are facing off in the May 5 primary for a four-year term.
Kaitsa has served as Delaware County auditor since being appointed in 2009 and is seeking reelection. Rankey is trying to get back into public office after losing a primary challenge in March 2024 to Ken O’Brien for Delaware County treasurer.
Kaitsa was endorsed by the Delaware County Republican Party.
The winner of the May primary will run unopposed in November as no Democrats are running for the auditor’s office.
Before becoming auditor in 2009, Kaitsa served as a Powell City Council member for 10 years, and he held senior management positions in state government, Kaitsa responded to The Dispatch’s candidate questionnaire.
Rankey served one term as county treasurer, starting in 2021. He previously served on Delaware City Council. He is also president and CEO of HomeLife Companies, a multi-family, senior living, and health care management consulting firm, Rankey said in the candidate questionnaire.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Delaware County Auditor leads ex-treasurer in GOP primary. Get updates
Reporting by Maria DeVito, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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