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.

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.

"As Treasurer of the State of Ohio, I will serve as an independent steward of taxpayer dollars, pensions, and savings, uplifting neighborhoods throughout the state."

Candidate information

Party: "Democratic Party"

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."

Walsh was elected student body president at Xavier University with the most votes in the school's history, according to the Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association.

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what past accomplishments show he can handle the job, 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. I know how to turn investment into real growth, and I'll bring that to cities and communities across Ohio."

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." Edwards' response to this claim was not available for this profile.

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." Walsh 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."

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 priorities: Walsh said: "I 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."

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. I took that to heart when I was a community developer and in my position on Cincinnati City Council.

"I will use this advice as Treasurer of State as well, so I can make the absolute best decisions for Ohio."