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

Asked why he is seeking the office, Walsh said in our candidate 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

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: "I have served on Cincinnati City Council for the last four years. On council I serve on the Budget and Finance, Equitable Growth and Housing, and Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Committees. I also serve on the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees. Before Cincinnati City Council I launched the Sedamsville Community Development Corporation and then led the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation."

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."

According to the Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association, Walsh is a native of St. Joseph, Michigan, who moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University, where he was elected student body president with the most votes in the university's history.

On the issues

What sets him apart from his 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."

Accomplishments: 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. The Ohio Treasurer oversees $280 billion."

State investments: Walsh said: "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 added: "On Day One I'll 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."

Community banks: Walsh said he would focus on community banks. "They are the best tool I've seen for rebuilding and growing communities. They lend to homebuyers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, and they know the neighborhoods they serve. In my first year as Treasurer, I will review existing programs like STAR Ohio and Ohio Homebuyer Plus to make sure Ohio's dollars go to Ohio's community banks first."

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."

Best advice received: Walsh said: "Read and learn the budget for any organization that you are in."

Walsh has received endorsements from the Ohio Democrats, the Delaware County Democrats, the Hamilton County Democratic Party, the Wood County Democratic Party and the Licking County Democrats, according to BallotReady.