CIRCLEVILLE, OH — April 10, 2025 — A visible political divide has emerged in Pickaway County following the recent elections, but only one party appears to be gaining ground: the Republicans.
On Saturday, April 5, local Democrats participated in the nationwide “Hands Off” protest, aimed at opposing policies championed by former President Donald Trump and what they called “budget-dismantling efforts” by DOGE, the digital governance initiative gaining traction in Washington. According to a Facebook post from organizers, approximately 85 peaceful demonstrators gathered at the intersection of Court and Main Streets in downtown Circleville to voice their concerns.
In contrast, just days earlier on April 1, energy surged at the Pickaway County Fairgrounds, where Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy delivered a keynote speech to a sold-out crowd of more than 450 people during the county’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner.
Ramaswamy, a rising star in conservative circles, laid out an ambitious platform focused on making Ohio “a national leader in AI, Bitcoin, and manufacturing.” He also pledged to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in government, calling them “ideological distractions.”
Republican Momentum Surges
“The energy is undeniable,” said Pickaway County GOP Chair Travis Ricketts. “We’re getting redder every election cycle. Candidates know that Pickaway County is the place to be. We’re within striking distance of three big population centers, and we’re just expecting better things to come.”
Ricketts noted that every countywide executive office is now held by a Republican, including newly elected Recorder Sarah Turner — a milestone he described as a historic first. “We still have Democrats in judicial seats, school boards, and other local positions, but we’re organizing and pushing hard. The future looks awesome,” he added.
County Commissioner Gary Scherer echoed that sentiment. “We’ve got a great group of countywide leaders, and that extends into our cities and villages as well. It’s an exciting place to be.”
Democrats Struggle for Visibility
Despite the recent protest, the local Democratic presence appears to be waning in official capacities. With no Democratic candidates currently slated to run in key upcoming races, questions are being raised about the future of the party in Pickaway County.
While activists and demonstrators continue to make their voices heard on the streets, Republican leadership in both the city and county appears to be consolidating power — and setting the agenda for Pickaway’s political future.
