Republican Candidates Sweep Contested City Council Seats on November 4, 2025
- Real Change Wilmington
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Voters across Wilmington turned out Tuesday to elect three at-large city council members and decide the local liquor option in Ward 2A.
In the November 4, 2025, General Election, Dennis Gherman (R), Jamie Knowles (R), and Kelly Tolliver (R) earned the most votes, winning the three open seats. The only contested races and issues were the city council at large seats and the local liquor option in Ward 2A.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS (12:00am November 5, 2025):
Prior to the election, the three Republican candidates, Dennis Gherman, Jamie Knowles, and Kelly Tolliver, shared their support of one another and the continued success of the city. Jason Stoops ran as an independent and focused his platform on bringing "accountability, transparency, and safety" to Wilmington.
The remaining city council seats were unopposed: Josh Schlabach (R), Michael Snarr (D), and Don Wells (R), retaining their positions on council. A newcomer to the current city council, Jeffrey Earley (R), also won and will be representing the Fourth Ward. Former Fourth Ward Council Member Bob Osborn ran for Council President uncontested and will take on the position in 2026. The new city council will take office on January 1, 2026, and serve until December 31, 2027.
In addition to the council seats, Paul Fear (R) will return as City Treasurer, and John Kaspar (R) will continue as Law Director.
Residents also voted in favor the Local Liquor Option in Ward A, allowing the Wilmington Duchess, located at 2495 U.S. Route 22 and 3, to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sunday.
For more information about the November 4, 2025, election, visit boe.ohio.gov/clinton/. To learn more about Wilmington City Government, visit wilmingtonohio.gov.
