DARKE COUNTY — Four people have declared themselves candidates for the Darke County Board of Commissioners’ race for 2016.

Three candidates — Republicans Matt Aultman and Fred Dean, as well as Democrat Leon Rogers — will run for the seat currently held by Commissioner Diane Delaplane, who announced July 20 she will not seek reelection after serving two four-year terms on the board.

The fourth candidate, Mike Rhoades, is an incumbent Republican commissioner who has served on the board since 2001. He is currently running unopposed for his seat.

The third board seat, held by Commissioner Mike Stegall, is not up for election this term.

GOP candidates Aultman and Dean must first face off against each other in the Ohio primary election held March 15, 2016.

Rogers will run against the GOP nominee in the general election on November 8, 2016, if no other Democrats declare.

The three candidates bring diverse career and life experiences to the campaign.

Matt Aultman is a grain buyer and feed salesman at Keller Grain & Feed, Inc. He is also chairman of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Darke County Fair Board.

Fred Dean is a semi-retired truck owner/operator. He is secretary/treasurer for the Darke County Republican Party, an Air Force veteran, and a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Leon Rogers is a customer service representative for Speedway Corporation and a member of the Greenville City Council since 2006. He is also regional treasurer for the Gold Wing Riders Association.

The deadline to file with the Darke County Board of Elections for the commissioners’ race is December 16, 2015.