Former Trotwood mayor and Republican Mary McDonald narrowly unseated longtime incumbent and Democrat Debbie Lieberman, with McDonald bringing in 50.42% of the vote.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the residents of Montgomery County have placed in me,” said McDonald in a statement. “This victory is not only a personal achievement but a meaningful step forward for our community. I look forward to working tirelessly to bring new opportunities to Montgomery County, ensuring that every resident, family, and business feels the positive impact of a government that is inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking.”
McDonald will become the first Black candidate elected to the Montgomery County commission. McDonald said her win builds on the achievement of Sarah Harris, who served as the first African American appointed to the Montgomery County commission.
“I want to recognize Dr. Harris for paving the way and setting a powerful example of leadership, integrity, and commitment,” McDonald said. “Her work has opened doors for future leaders, including myself, and I am grateful for the path she charted.”
Lieberman was elected to the Montgomery County Commission in 2004 and is in her fifth term. Prior to then, she served on Clayton’s city council and worked at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office as a director of real estate and later a chief deputy clerk.
Lieberman said she was disappointed in the results, but she has hope for the future of Montgomery County and thanked residents for supporting her over the past 20 years.
“I don’t look at it as a sunset on my career, I look at it as a sunrise,” she said. “The outpouring of love and support over the past two weeks has just been overwhelming.”
Lieberman said she’s planning her next steps, but she wants to continue engaging with the community in other ways.
“I choose to see this as an opportunity. Public service has been the heart of my life,” she said.
McDonald was a longtime Democrat before switching parties this year. The pivot to the Republican party happened after McDonald did not receive the Democratic endorsement during her reelection bid for Trotwood mayor, where she was narrowly defeated by Yvette Page.
McDonald’s candidacy was challenged before the spring primary election, when protesters argued she was not qualified to be on the Republican ballot because she was a Democrat. After a tied vote from the Montgomery County Board of Elections, the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office ruled in favor of McDonald remaining on the ballot.
McDonald told this news outlet on Wednesday that she will prioritize building relationships with the two other leaders on the commission — Judy Dodge and Carolyn Rice.
“I’m looking forward to the work we’re going to do together,” she said.
Other races finalized
Montgomery County Recorder Stacey Benson-Taylor was also narrowly defeated by Republican challenger Lori Kennedy. Kennedy received roughly 50.8% of the vote.
“I’m honored and humbled to be the next Montgomery County recorder and looking forward to leading the office and serving,” said Kennedy.
Benson-Taylor did not return requests for comment before the newspaper’s print deadline.
Other county races saw no change in leadership.
Democratic incumbent Dodge received 50.5% of votes, while her Republican challenger, Kate Baker, had 49.5%.
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley, who was indicted a couple of months before the general election, received roughly 52.4% of votes, defeating Democratic challenger Lynn Cooper.
Republican Montgomery County Treasurer John McManus won his reelection bid, taking home 56.8% of votes. His challenger, attorney and Montgomery County Democrat Party chair Mohamed Al-Hamdani, had 43.2% of votes.
About the Author
