Bernie Marino is big local winner of election night
Story and photos by Scott W. Grau
HOLLAND – Supporters, volunteers, elected officials and candidates gathered at the Lucas County Republican Party election night watch party at the Holland Gardens Banquet Hall on Tuesday night to watch the results of the local, state and national elections.
Derek Merrin, running for U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent Marcy Kaptur, made a late-night appearance but chose not to make a speech to his supporters. Although he was behind in the vote count against Kaptur, the margin of difference was less than 0.05 percent, which automatically triggers a vote recount.
The makeshift stage Merrin would have made either a victory or concession speech from remained empty for the night.
Incumbent Ohio house representative Josh Williams celebrated his victory over challenger Dave Blyth. Throughout the evening, Williams was seen checking his smartphone as the results were being reported. Once it was announced he was the projected winner, his supporters erupted in cheers.
With the news that he retained his seat, his wife, Neaira Williams, promptly planted a kiss on his cheek.
Candidates for Lucas County commissioner John Rozic and Tom Waniewski were in attendance as they anxiously waited for the results of their races to be reported. Rozic was defeated by incumbent Anita Lopez and Waniewski fell to long-time incumbent Pete Gerken.
A highlight of the evening was when the announcement was made that candidate Bernie Moreno narrowly defeated Sherrod Brown for the U.S. Senate seat.
The atmosphere was upbeat and celebratory as elections results for the presidential race were reported. With each report of projected states won by presidential candidate Donald Trump, cheers and hand clapping rang out throughout the venue. As the number of electoral votes inched closer to the require 270 threshold, the excitement increased.
For complete election results, go to WTOL Election 2024.
