Voters in Montgomery County will head to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 primary election, with several contested races at the federal, state and local levels.
The primary election is set for May 5, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters must bring a valid photo ID.
The ballot is headlined by a crowded race for the U.S. House Fourth District seat. Incumbent Republican Jim Baird faces primary challengers Craig Haggard and John Piper. On the Democratic side, eight candidates are seeking the nomination: Drew Cox, Roger D. Day, Darin Patrick Griesey, Thomas D. Hall Jr., Joe Mackey, Jayden McCash, Paul McPherson and John Phillip Whetstone.
At the state level, the District 23 State Senate race is contested in the Republican primary, where incumbent Spencer R. Deery faces Paula K. Copenhaver. Democrat David A. Sanders is the lone Democratic candidate for the seat.
In statehouse races, District 13 includes Republican Matt Commons, who is unopposed in the GOP primary, while Democrats Brenna Geswein and Edward Moyer Jr. are competing for their party’s nomination, ensuring a contested race in the November general election.
District 28 features a Republican primary contest between incumbent Jeffrey A. Thompson and Sheila Zielinski, while Democrat Karen Whitney is unopposed on her party’s ballot.
District 44 includes a Republican primary between incumbent Beau Baird and Clint Cooper. Democrat Kelsey Kauffman is the only Democratic candidate for that seat.
Local races include township contests, with both Democratic and Republican candidates running. Kay Whetson is seeking the Union Township Trustee seat on the Democratic ticket, while Aaron Morgan, the incumbent trustee, is on the GOP ballot. Democrat Kathy Ryker is seeking the Wayne Township Trustee seat. Republicans Mike Claycomb and Roger Kunkel are seeking the GOP nod for trustee in Coal Creek Township. In Madison Township, Greg Fuller and Brad Scott are seeking the Republican nomination for trustee. In Walnut Township, Republicans Melody Davis and Eric McClaskey are seeking the trustee job.
Four people are seeking three spots on the Coal Creek Township Advisory Board, Jay Busse, Aaron Hutchens, Kevin McCord and Denny Olin. While in Madison Township, six candidates are running for three seats, Gary Blankenship, William Fugate, Mary Hudson, Emily Jackson, Rob King and Chasity Surface.
In New Richmond, Republicans Deana S. Brooks and Sarah Farmer-Forbes are seeking the town clerk-treasurer job. Four Republicans are seeking three spots on the New Richmond Town Council, Hillary Balmer, Rachelle Cowherd Pebbles, Linda Forbes and Jebadiah Lind.
For countywide office, Republicans running unoppoed include: Matt McCarty for sheriff; Heather Barajas for Superior Court 1 Judge; Daniel Petrie for Superior Court 2 Judge; Jacob Moore for prosecutor; Jennifer Andel for auditor; Morgan Biggs for treasurer; Sherri Bentley for assessor; Jim Fulwider for commissioner district 2; Joyce Grimble for county council district 1; Matt Nelson for county council district 2; Jordan Foland for county council district 3; and Brett Cating for county council district 4.
Voting locations for Tuesday’s elections include the Montgomery County 4-H Building, Rock Point Church, Whitesville Church and North Montgomery High School.
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election will begin Oct. 6.
Residents with questions about polling locations or voting requirements can contact the Montgomery County Clerk’s Office or visit the state election website for more information.
