MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) – Marion County Commissioners Kerr Murray and Andy Appelfeller are each facing opponents in what’s become a crowded field for the March 19 primary election.
Murray, a Republican, is being challenged by Kevin Davidson, Courtney Reece, and Jason Schaber in the GOP primary, while Appelfeller, also a Republican, is facing a challenge from Tim Mooney.
Murray is serving in his second term as a county commissioner. He was first elected to the office in 2016, defeating Democrat Dan Russell. He won reelection to the office in 2020.
Davidson is a former deputy who retired from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He continued to do community outreach work with the sheriff’s office following his retirement.
Reece is a newcomer to the political scene in Marion County. She works for the Marion County Engineer’s Office and is a veteran of the United States Army.
Schaber is a member of Marion City Council, currently serving as the 3rd Ward representative to council. He served two terms as an at-large member of city council (2006-2010) and was elected to represent the 3rd Ward in 2018. He is the owner of Schaber’s Lawn and Landscaping and Hay Wagon Farms.
The next term for the seat that Murray currently holds commences Jan. 2, 2025.
Appelfeller is serving in his sixth term as a county commissioner. He was first elected to the office in 2000.
Mooney is a member of the Claridon Township Board of Trustees. He has served in that role since 2007.
The next term for the seat that Appelfeller currently holds commences Jan. 3, 2025.
The board of elections must certify petitions filed by partisan candidates by Jan. 2. Any protests against partisan candidates’ petitions must be filed by 4 p.m. on Jan. 5.
Independent candidates wishing to run for office in 2024 must file petitions by 4 p.m. on March 18.
The deadline to register to vote in the March 19 primary election is Feb. 20.