A closely contested judicial race headlined Tuesday’s primary election in Auglaize County, where Republican voters selected Zach Ferrall as their nominee for Common Pleas Juvenile and Probate Court.

Ferrall defeated Kristina Morris in a narrow race, earning 3,206 votes to Morris’s 3,025.

Following the results, Ferrall emphasized respect for his opponent, calling the race competitive and well-run. He credited his campaign team and volunteers for their extensive outreach efforts, including door-to-door canvassing and voter contact, and thanked the community for placing their trust in him. Ferrall also noted his intention to continue the work of the current court and acknowledged the longtime service of Judge Spies, signaling a focus on continuity moving forward.

Beyond the judicial race, voters weighed in on several local issues across the county.

In the Minster Local School District, a tax levy passed decisively, 421 to 131. The Waynesfield-Goshen Local School District saw a narrower approval of its income tax renewal, which passed 210 to 186.

Meanwhile, voters in Wapakoneta rejected a proposed city tax levy, with 694 voting against and 566 in favor.

A liquor option issue allowing Sunday sales at Sloopy’s on the Lake was approved by a wide margin, 224 to 38.

All results are unofficial but reflect the final tallies reported Tuesday night.

Mercer County has released the unofficial primary election results for May 5, 2026. While total voter turnout sat at a modest 17.53%, the day yielded decisive victories in several high-profile state races and solid support for local tax renewals.

Here are the key takeaways from the polls:

Voter Turnout

• In total, 5,059 ballots were cast out of Mercer County's 28,862 registered voters.

   

   

• Democratic turnout was notably high at 74.63%, compared to a 38.24% turnout among registered Republicans.

   

   

Key Republican Primaries

• Governor & Lieutenant Governor: The ticket of Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert A. McColley won decisively, capturing 75.72% of the vote (2,926 votes). They defeated Casey Putsch and Kimberly C. Georgeton, who gathered 20.60%.

   

   

• Secretary of State: Robert Sprague earned a clear victory with 71.01% of the vote against Marcell Strbich.

   

   

• Treasurer of State: Jay Edwards secured the win with 55.14% over Kristina D. Roegner's 44.86%.

   

   

• Justice of the Supreme Court (FTC 1-2-2027): Andrew King won a crowded primary with 39.25% of the vote, defeating Colleen O'Donnell, Ronald Lewis, and Jill Lanzinger.

   

   

Key Democratic Primaries

• U.S. Senator: Incumbent Sherrod Brown cruised to victory, capturing 90.25% of the vote over challenger Ron Kincaid.

   

   

• Attorney General: John J. Kulewicz won his race with 59.05% against Elliot Forhan.

   

   

• Secretary of State: Allison Russo took 58.97% of the vote, defeating Bryan Hambley.

   

   

• Governor & Lieutenant Governor: Amy Acton and David Pepper ran unopposed, capturing all 817 cast votes for the Democratic ticket.

   

   

Local Issues & Levies

• Mercer County Children's Services Levy: A 0.4 mill renewal levy for current expenses passed comfortably, with 65.33% of voters supporting it.

   

   

• Parkway School Levy: An 8.97 mill renewal for current expenses was approved by 60.67% of voters.

   

   

• Local Liquor Option (Celina A): Voters overwhelmingly approved the option, with 80.22% voting "YES".

   

   

Note: All election outcomes are considered unofficial until formally certified by the Mercer County Board of Elections.