Logan County voters selected Michael E. Yoder as their next Logan County Commissioner in Tuesday’s primary election.
Yoder and incumbent Paul Benedetti were the two candidates on the Republican ballot for the four-year county commissioner term that begins Jan 1, 2023. No Democratic candidates filed for the position.
Yoder received 3,862 votes and Benedetti received 2,747 votes, according to unofficial totals.
A Huntsville resident, Yoder was elected to the office of Bellefontaine City Auditor on three occasions, beginning in 1983. He also previously was elected Logan County Auditor beginning in 1994 and served six terms in that role.
“I want to thank the voters for their support and their confidence,” he said Tuesday night. “I commend my opponent for a hard-fought race.
“I think my fiscal conservative policies resonated with the voters.”
Yoder said his campaign was a grassroots effort.
“We knocked on 1,000s of doors and talked with many people. I am tired tonight, but am very pleased. I’m looking forward to serving our community in this role.”
Prior to serving his current term as commissioner, Benedetti spent 40 years as owner and operator of Benedetti Photography and eight years as the president and CEO of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.
“It has been a privilege to serve our community the past four years and I appreciate all the working partnerships and friendships established during my first term,” he said Tuesday night.
“The past four years have brought signifiant changes to how the Board of Commissioners operates and there have been county-wide initiatives that will positively impact our residents for years to come.
“Thank you to all who voted for my candidacy.”
Benedetti expressed appreciation to his campaign committee — treasurer John Belser, campaign chairs Doug and Libby Zimmerman and Steve and Kay Spath.
“Additionally, thanks to two county groups — the Top of Ohio Patriots and the Second Amendment Group — and everyone who lent their name and voice to support my campaign.
“A special thanks to my wife, Nancy, for tolerating the months of campaigning and the challenges brought to our family.”