Cincinnati City Council member Seth Walsh is running for Ohio treasurer as a Democrat in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Jay Edwards Jr.

Walsh said in our candidate questionnaire that he is seeking the office "because 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

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

Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, Walsh said: "I 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."

Walsh was also chairman of the Cincinnati Elections Commission and president of Friends of the Taft Family Legacy, according to the Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association.

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what past accomplishments show he can handle the job, Walsh said in our questionnaire: "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. The Ohio Treasurer oversees $280 billion."

Differences from opponent: Walsh said: "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: Walsh said he would "not make new investments in any other country" and would "reinvest Ohio's funds in our community banks to increase lending capacity throughout Ohio's communities." He said he would also "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 "review existing programs like STAR Ohio and Ohio Homebuyer Plus to make sure Ohio's dollars go to Ohio's community banks first" and "expand partnerships that support affordable housing and first-time homebuyers."

Best advice received: Walsh said: "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. Walsh is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.