A longtime incumbent has a challenger in the Republican primary for Clermont County Commissioner.
Claire Corcoran was endorsed for reelection by the Clermont County GOP. The county, east of Cincinnati, is heavily Republican. Donald Trump won Clermont County with 67% of the vote in 2024. All three commissioners, including Corcoran, are Republican.
The rural county is home to around 214,000 people according to Census data. Here’s what to know about its two Republican candidates.
Who is Claire Corcoran?
Corcoran has served on the board of commissioners since 2019. She lives in Goshen Township and previously served as a township trustee from 2012 to 2015, and on the Goshen Local School District Board from 2008 to 2011.
In a Q&A with the Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Corcoran said her priorities, if reelected, are to bring more businesses to the county, keep wind turbines and solar fields off farmland, and make county government more responsive to development in rural areas.
In November, Ohioans may vote on a constitutional amendment that would abolish property taxes. A group that supports this goal is gathering signatures to get the issue on the November ballot. The state government has said eliminating property taxes would result in $24 billion of lost revenue each year.
Property taxes help fund Ohio’s cities, counties, townships and school districts. If they are eliminated, the loss of revenue would pose a huge economic challenge for Clermont County, Corcoran told the Clermont Chamber of Commerce.
The county would “undoubtedly” have to restrict spending if voters choose to abolish property taxes, Corcoran said.
“There will be tough choices ahead.”
Who is Luiza McQueen?
Luiza McQueen, Corcoran’s challenger, has a different attitude toward the possible end of property taxes.
On her Facebook campaign page, McQueen has argued that these taxes unfairly burden homeowners and seniors, and suggested that raising sales tax to offset a loss in property tax revenue would be more fair.
“Unlike property tax, which is mandatory regardless of your financial situation, a sales tax is only triggered when a purchase is made, allowing citizens to manage their tax burden based on their own consumption habits,” she wrote in a post.
Ohio’s statewide sales tax is 5.75% and generated $14 billion in 2025, according to a 2026 report from the Ohio Office of Budget and Management. To replace property taxes, sales tax would need to go up to 15-18%, the report said.
In another post, McQueen said the state could “broaden” sales or income tax, “add targeted user fees, cut waste, consolidate services,” or grow the state’s tax base to offset lost property taxes.
Ohio has a flat state income tax rate of 2.75% in 2026. Income tax rates would need to reach 11-15% to replace property tax, the Office of Budget and Management reported.
Besides property tax relief, McQueen also said responsible development is a priority for her on Facebook. The Enquirer asked McQueen in an email whether she supports abolishing property tax, but she did not respond.
How to vote
Early voting for the primary election started April 7. Election Day is May 5.
Check your voter registration or polling place online at VoteOhio.gov.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: These Republicans are running for commissioner in Clermont County
Reporting by Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
