The Ballot Brief
Richland County, Ohio

Richland County Commissioner

Kaufmann and Mears are on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Names follow official Richland County election filings.

About this race

Term 1/1/2027-12/31/2030. Incumbent Republican Cliff Mears won a contested GOP primary over David Morgenstern 62.59%-37.41% (8,727 to 5,216 votes), per the Richland Source. Mears faces Democrat Mark Kaufmann, who was unopposed in his primary, in November.

What this office does

County commissioner. The county board is the county's legislative and, in most states, executive body. Commissioners adopt the county budget and property tax rate, oversee roads, the jail, public health, planning and zoning in unincorporated areas, and appoint or confirm department heads. In counties with an elected county executive or judge, the board's role is mainly the budget and ordinances.

This race. The sitting officeholder, Cliff Mears, is on the ballot.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Ohio › Richland County › Richland County Commissioner

Mark Kaufmann

Democratic

Biography

Kaufmann is a political newcomer running for Richland County Commissioner, per the Richland Source. No campaign website was found as of September 10, 2026.

Cliff Mears

RepublicanIncumbent

Biography

Mears holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Toledo and spent more than 25 years at R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company, also working at General Motors' Mansfield plant and teaching communications courses at universities for over two decades, per his official county biography page. He was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 2021 to complete an unexpired term, was elected to retain the seat in 2022, and previously served as an at-large member and then president of Mansfield City Council.

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Next on your ballotRichland County Auditor

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
Questions about this race

Who is running for Richland County Commissioner in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Richland County Commissioner on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Mark Kaufmann and Cliff Mears. Candidate information follows official Richland County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Richland County Commissioner election in Ohio?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Ohio are on the Ohio election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Richland County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Richland County and state election office filings, last verified October 24, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Ohio election office, or see the full Richland County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Richland County ballot

7 tracked races in Richland County, Ohio. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Richland County Clerk of Courts (Unexpired Term)Richland County Common Pleas Court Judge, General DivisionRichland County Common Pleas Court Judge, Probate DivisionSee all 7 Richland County races
Candidate profiles
Mark Kaufmann, full profileCliff Mears, full profileOfficial Ohio election office