The Ballot Brief
Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Tuscarawas County Commissioner

See where Zemis and Watson stand on roads, growth and jobs. Names follow official Tuscarawas County election filings.

About this race

One of three Tuscarawas County commission seats is up in the November 3, 2026 general election. Incumbent Republican Kristin Zemis, in office since January 2023, faces Democrat Kent Watson; both were unopposed in their May 5, 2026 primaries, per WebSearch summaries of Board of Elections candidate-filing data (term for the winner commences 01/01/2027).

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, Kristin Zemis, is on the ballot.

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

Ohio › Tuscarawas County › Tuscarawas County Commissioner

Kristin Zemis

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Lists fiscal responsibility and management of taxpayer dollars as a priority for a new term, per Tuscarawas County Republican Party candidate page
  • Prioritizes economic development and job creation, infrastructure improvements, and pursuing grant opportunities for the county, per Tuscarawas County Republican Party candidate page
Biography

Kristin Zemis is a lawyer who holds a degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law, and has practiced law for over 30 years, including as a partner at Black McCuskey before starting her own practice, per her Tuscarawas County Republican Party candidate page. She has also worked as a mediator and Guardian Ad Litem, and has served as Tuscarawas County Commissioner since January 2023, per the same source. She founded the Tuscarawas Free Clinic and has served on the United Way Committee and supported early-childhood literacy programs including Blessings in a Backpack, per her candidate page.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Kent Watson

Democratic

Biography

Kent Watson, of Dover, retired from Marlite after a 20-year career in middle management, where he managed staff, ordered materials, and oversaw manufacturing, shipping and delivery, per WJER Radio. He has served on community boards including the Tuscarawas Philharmonic, Friends of the Homeless, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, per WJER Radio. No campaign website was found as of September 9, 2026.

Next on your ballotTuscarawas County Auditor

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Voting info and more

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Questions about this race

Who is running for Tuscarawas County Commissioner in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Tuscarawas County Commissioner on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Kristin Zemis and Kent Watson. Candidate information follows official Tuscarawas County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on roads, growth and jobs.

When is the Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Tuscarawas County ballot

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

Also on your ballot
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge (term beginning Jan. 2, 2027)Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge, Probate DivisionOhio Senate District 31See all 6 Tuscarawas County races
Candidate profiles
Kristin Zemis, full profileKent Watson, full profileOfficial Ohio election office