Wilmington City Council At-Large Candidates for November 4, 2025
- Real Change Wilmington
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
The City of Wilmington has four candidates campaigning for three at-large seats on city council. Early voting is October 7, 2025 through November 2, 2025. Election Day is November 4, 2025.
The remaining candidates for elected city positions are on the ballot unopposed:
City Treasurer Paul Fear
Law Director John Kaspar
City Council President Bob Osborn
First Ward Council Member Josh Schlabach
Second Ward Council Member Michael Snarr
Third Ward Council Member Don Wells
Fourth Ward Council Member Jeffrey Earley
Dennis Gherman
My name is Dennis Gherman. I am running for Council-at-Large. I have lived in Clinton County for 33 years. I am a Veteran. I served as a Sargent in the Army. I have been married to my wonderful wife Cheryl for 52 years. We have one son Eric who also lives in Wilmington. I am pro growth and believe we are headed in the right direction. Prior to moving to Wilmington, I lived in Marion Ohio about an hour north of Columbus, I worked for an Engineering firm performing several jobs in Wilmington. My last project was the 24" water line that runs from Ceasar Creek to Wilmington. At the end of the project, the City offered me a job as the Construction Manager overseeing all new construction and rehab for the city infrastructure. I worked at City Hall in this position for 4 years. I then moved to the Service Department as the Street Superintendent for 19 years. I feel that the experience I gained working for the Engineering Firm and the City for 23 years and knowledge of the city policies and budget process would be very beneficial to the City and Council. There are two other Republican candidates who are already on Council. Both are doing a GREAT job. I believe we have all seen improvement and growth in the City in the last year and a half. I would like to be a part of continuing the way we are headed. I am asking for your vote.
(Article by Dennis Gherman - Republican)
Jamie Knowles
I am a community member, a neighbor, a friend, a father, a husband, and a son. At my core, I’m someone who cares deeply about Wilmington and the people who call it home. Those connections guide every decision I make and drive my commitment to serving on city council.
I am not a career politician – I am simply a neighbor who believes our city deserves practical solutions. I plan to focus on improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and keeping our neighborhoods safe so that every resident can thrive.
I’m a lifelong resident of Wilmington and a proud graduate of both Wilmington High School and Wilmington College. My deep roots in this community give me a first-hand understanding of its
strengths and challenges. Guided by strong conservative principles, I bring a business-minded, results-oriented approach to problem-solving. I’m known for working hard, listening to residents of all ages, and building consensus. These qualities—experience, practicality, and dedication—are exactly what I will bring to city council to keep Wilmington moving forward.
(Article by Jamie Knowles - Republican)
Jason Stoops
My name is Jason Stoops, and I am running for City Council to bring accountability, transparency, and safety to our local government. I have spent years working with people in this community, listening to their concerns, and voicing my opinion when I see decisions being made that do not reflect our community.
I want to focus on three major things in the election for city council: transparency in how decisions are made, accountability for elected officials, and safety for everyone who calls our city home. One of my first actions will be to push for a proper ordinance that addresses the issue of illegal camping. I believe we can create a solution that is both compassionate toward those experiencing homelessness and respectful of the broader community’s needs.
This election matters because the current council has too often chosen to ignore the voice of the people. I am running to restore trust, ensure the government works for all of us, and to give our community a voice at the table again.
Vote Jason Stoops for City Council.
(Article by Jason Stoops - Independent)
Kelly Tolliver
My name is Kelly Tolliver. I am married to my beautiful Wife Krista and have three adult children that were also raised in Wilmington. I too was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. My wife and I both own and operate small businesses in town. The flexibility of working for myself allows me to continue working with our youth as a Coach at Wilmington High School.
I have served one term on Wilmington City Council. I am serving because I felt our city had become a less safe, dangerous place. I am an America First Conservative like many of you and stepped forward to make a local impact and serve. I am running for re-election this November.
Working with Mayor Haley, the Council has supported both staffing and equipment for our local Police and Fire departments. It has been proposed that we also increase the number we currently have on the Police force, and I fully support this effort. In this world we currently find ourselves in, it is time we demand Law and Order. Increasing the Police Force is one step and we should insist on it. I take my oath seriously and will do my job to represent you to the best of my ability. I am transparent and honest. Please support me and vote for me in the November election for City Council At-Large.
(Article by Kelly Tolliver - Republican)
