Cincinnati City Council member Seth Walsh is running for Ohio Treasurer as a Democrat. Republican Jay Edwards Jr. is also seeking the seat.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Walsh said in the Anderson-Mariemont Journal's questionnaire: "I believe that through strategic community investment in Ohio's farmers, public sector employees, and small business entrepreneurs, we can inspire a resurgence in our neighborhoods and foster positive growth across all communities."

Candidate information

Party: "Democratic Party"

Education: "Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Xavier University"

Family: "My parents and two sisters including my twin sister live in Michigan. I live in Cincinnati with my two dogs Calvin and Rosie."

Family in politics or government: "No"

Experience and public service

Walsh said in our questionnaire that he has "served on Cincinnati City Council for the last four years." He said he serves "on the Budget and Finance, Equitable Growth and Housing, and Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Committees" and on "the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees."

Walsh said he "was appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December of 2022, and have since won reelection in 2023 and 2025."

Before joining council, Walsh said, he "launched the Sedamsville Community Development Corporation and then led the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation."

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Walsh said: "As a community developer in Cincinnati, I added 110 housing units, 98% of them affordable, and helped launch nearly 20 small businesses. I also secured more than $85 million in economic development funding … I've stewarded public and private dollars responsibly, and as a pension trustee I've had a fiduciary duty to protect them."

On the issues

Critical differences from opponent: Walsh said in our questionnaire: "I served on the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees, which makes me the only candidate in this race with pension board experience. My opponent's connection to the FirstEnergy scandal, the largest financial scandal in Ohio government history, also sets us apart."

State investments and community banks: Walsh said in our questionnaire: "Ohio's public dollars should serve Ohioans first. Today, hundreds of millions of dollars of Ohioans' money are invested in other countries instead of being reinvested in Ohio-based financial institutions and our community banks. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will not make new investments in any other country."

He said he would "demand a full assessment of Ohio's investments in risky BBB bonds and require immediate reinvestment in safer, more profitable investments that are rated AAA, AA and A."

Unclaimed funds: Walsh said: "Ohio is safeguarding $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds that belong to individuals, families, and businesses. That money should be returned to its rightful owners, not used for legislators' pet projects, like financing a billionaire's football stadium."

First-year plans: Walsh said he would "focus on community banks" and "review existing programs like STAR Ohio and Ohio Homebuyer Plus to make sure Ohio's dollars go to Ohio's community banks first." He added: "I will also expand partnerships that support affordable housing and first-time homebuyers …"

Best advice received: Walsh said in our questionnaire: "The best advice I have ever received was to read and learn the budget for any organization that you are in."

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.