Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano, a Democrat, is running for reelection in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

As part of Franklin County, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff residents all fall within the county auditor's jurisdiction.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: Franklin County Auditor
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio (born Nov. 23, 1979, at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Franklinton)
  • Hometown: Grew up in the Short North and University District communities of Columbus, according to his Wikipedia entry
  • 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 took office as Franklin County auditor on March 11, 2019. He was the role's first Democrat. He won the seat in November 2018 by defeating Republican incumbent Clarence Mingo, according to the Franklin County Auditor's Office website.

Before that, Stinziano served in several public roles:

  • Ohio House of Representatives: State representative for the 25th District (2011–2013) and the 18th District (2013–2016)
  • Columbus City Council: Member of Seat 1 (January 2016 to February 2019) and president pro tem; chaired the Neighborhoods, Technology and Public Utilities committees
  • Franklin County Board of Elections: Director (2008)
  • Ohio Secretary of State's Office: Assistant to the general counsel under Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner

Stinziano also worked at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution and as a research assistant for two members of the British Parliament. He served as a legal extern at the Supreme Court of Ohio, a law clerk for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus and an adjunct law professor at Capital University Law School, according to BallotReady profile data and his auditor's office biography.

On the issues

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

Endorsements

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

  • AFL-CIO

Candidate responses and issue positions labeled above reflect the candidate's own statements as provided through BallotReady questionnaire data and the candidate's campaign website. The Upper Arlington-Grandview Record does not endorse candidates.