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YOUNGSTOWN - There are contested Republican primaries for a seat on the 7th District Court of Appeals, which is based in Mahoning County and has jurisdiction over eight counties, and for the 33rd District's Republican State Central Committee man and women positions. The state central district includes Mahoning, Columbiana and Carroll counties.
The court of appeals race pits Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Katelyn Dickey of Lisbon against Mary DeGenaro of Poland, who sat on the appeals bench for 17 years before being appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court.
The seat is being vacated at the end of the month by Democrat David D'Apolito, who is resigning early to become city manager for Canfield.
Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, will appoint D'Apolito's successor with the Republican primary winner almost certainly getting it. It is strongly believed that DeWine won't appoint until after the primary.
No Democrat filed for the seat. With party labels added, starting in 2022, to court of appeals races, Democrats didn't see the seat as winnable.
In addition to Mahoning, the court has jurisdiction over Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe and Noble counties. All but Mahoning, which is the most populous, are strong Republican counties.
The Republican State Central committeeman race has Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman Dave Johnson of Salem, the incumbent, being challenged by Sean M. Hart of Salem.
The committeewoman's seat has Allison Zwicker of Canfield facing Roberta Baker of East Liverpool. The seat is currently held by Monica Robb Blasdel, a state representative from Columbiana.
Wednesday was the filing deadline for candidates and issues seeking to appear on the March 19, 2024, primary ballot. The board of elections has to certify the candidates and issues.