DARKE COUNTY — On Tuesday, voters in Ohio’s 80th and 84th House Districts elected Republicans Jena Powell and Susan Manchester to the Ohio General Assembly for two-year terms beginning in January 2019.
With the votes from most precincts counted, returns showed Powell, of Arcanum, defeating Democrat challenger D.J. Byrnes for the 80th seat with 75 percent of the vote.
Powell was well-positioned for the win in the predominantly Republican district following her May 8 Republican primary win, when she defeated John W. “Bud” O’Brien, J.D. Winteregg, and George H. Lovett in a four-way race.
Manchester, of Lakeview, was far ahead in the 84th District race against Democrat Joseph Monbeck with more than 80 percent of the vote.
Following her victory, Manchester thanked her supporters.
“Your kindness and generosity have kept the momentum going and given me strength when I needed it most,” she said. “Thank you for casting your votes and trusting me to be your voice in Columbus. Your voice is and always will be my priority.”
Incumbent 8th U.S. District Rep. Warren Davidson of Troy handily defeated his Democrat challenger, Vanessa Enoch of West Chester, to serve his second full term in Congress.
In statewide races, incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Cleveland) defeated challenger Jim Renacci (R-Wadsworth), and will serve a third, six-year term.
With more than 70 percent of the vote tallied, Ohioans voted down Issue 1 by a significant margin, approximately 65 to 35 percent.
The race for Ohio governor, featuring Mike Dewine (R-Cedarville) versus Richard Cordray (D-Grove City), was too close to call as of late Tuesday night.
Darke County Commissioner Mike Stegall (R), Darke County Auditor Carol A. Ginn (R) and 2nd District Court of Appeals Judge Jeffrey M. Welbaum (Troy) were all reelected in uncontested races.
Most statewide races were also too close to call as this issue went to press.
The Daily Advocate will provide detailed results of Tuesday’s midterm election, including township and municipal issues, in the coming days.
