Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano, a Democrat, is running for re-election on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot.

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. He won the seat after defeating Republican incumbent Clarence Mingo in November 2018.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: Franklin County Auditor
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Birthplace: Mount Carmel West Hospital in Franklinton, Columbus, Ohio (born Nov. 23, 1979), according to his Wikipedia page
  • Hometown: Grew up in the Short North and University District communities of Columbus
  • 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

Experience and public service

Stinziano held several public roles before becoming auditor. He served as director of the Franklin County Board of Elections starting in 2008, according to BallotReady profile data. He also worked as assistant to the general counsel at the Ohio Secretary of State's office under Jennifer Brunner.

He served in the Ohio House of Representatives, first representing the 25th District starting in 2011, then the 18th District starting in 2013. He went on to serve on Columbus City Council from Jan. 4, 2016, through Feb. 22, 2019, holding Seat 1 and serving as president pro tem. On council, he chaired the neighborhoods, technology and public utilities committees.

Earlier in his career, Stinziano worked at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution, served as a legal extern at the Supreme Court of Ohio and was a research assistant for two members of the British Parliament. He has also taught as an adjunct law professor at Capital University Law School.

On the issues

Housing and property appraisals: Stinziano said on his campaign website that he is championing a triennial review process that is "transparent and accessible to homeowners and businesses to ensure that the growth of the community does not displace people from their property."

No other issue responses from the candidate were available at the time of publication.

Endorsements

Stinziano has received the following endorsement, as claimed by the endorser according to BallotReady profile data:

  • AFL-CIO

Candidate issue responses are drawn from BallotReady questionnaire data and the candidate's campaign website. Responses reflect the candidate's own statements and have not been independently verified.