Maple Heights Mayor Annette M. Blackwell is the Democratic candidate for Ohio auditor of state in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The official certified candidate list identifies Blackwell and Republican Frank LaRose as the candidates.
Experience
The city of Maple Heights says Blackwell took office in January 2016 as its first woman and first African American mayor. She is serving her third elected term and also serves as safety director.
The city lists previous employment with KeyBank, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Deloitte and Ryan International Tax Services. It identifies her Ursuline College bachelor’s degree in public relations and corporate communications.
On the issues
On her campaign website, Blackwell says she would prioritize protecting tax dollars, investigating corruption and working with communities to keep living costs manageable for working families.
She presents Maple Heights’ recovery from financial distress as relevant experience, saying she wrote a five-year turnaround plan after taking office. That is her account of her role in the city’s recovery.
The Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association, a party organization, credits the city with Clean Audit awards from 2021 through 2023 and says Blackwell would oppose reductions in state support for local governments.
Her campaign’s emphasis is on financial oversight and cooperation with local communities. The statements above describe her proposals and attributed record.
