Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano, a Democrat, is seeking re-election in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The countywide office serves New Albany and Gahanna residents.
Stinziano took office on March 11, 2019, as the first Democrat to serve as Franklin County auditor, according to the Franklin County Auditor's Office website. He won the seat in November 2018 after defeating Republican incumbent Clarence Mingo. He is certified for the 2026 ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: Franklin County Auditor
- Residence: Columbus, Ohio. Stinziano grew up in the Short North and University District communities, according to his Wikipedia biography.
- Education: Bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond; master's degree from George Washington University; juris doctor from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, according to BallotReady.
Experience and public service
Before becoming auditor, Stinziano held elected office and worked across several levels of government, according to the auditor's office website, his Wikipedia biography and BallotReady profile data:
- Franklin County Auditor (2019–present)
- Columbus City Council, Seat 1 (Jan. 4, 2016, to Feb. 22, 2019), where he served as president pro tem and chaired the Neighborhoods, Technology and Public Utilities committees
- Ohio House of Representatives, 18th District (2013–2016)
- Ohio House of Representatives, 25th District (2011–2013)
- Director, Franklin County Board of Elections (2008)
- Assistant to the general counsel, Ohio Secretary of State (under Jennifer Brunner)
- Legal extern, Supreme Court of Ohio
- Law clerk, Ohio House Democratic Caucus
- Staff, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Smithsonian Institution)
- Research assistant, British Parliament (for two members)
- Adjunct law professor, Capital University Law School
On the issues
Housing and property values: Stinziano said on his campaign website that he is championing a triennial review process he described as transparent and accessible to homeowners and businesses across Franklin County, including New Albany and Gahanna. The goal, he said, is to ensure that community growth "does not displace people from their property."
Issue responses in this section come from the candidate's own answers submitted through BallotReady and the candidate's campaign website.
Endorsements
Stinziano has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, according to BallotReady profile data.
- AFL-CIO
The New Albany-Gahanna Beacon's candidate profiles are based on publicly available records, official filings and candidate questionnaire responses. The Beacon does not endorse candidates.
