CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Isaac Oberer, an Independent candidate seeking the Sheriff position in Ross County, has overcome an attempt to remove him from the 2024 ballot following a challenge before the Board of Elections. The challenge, initiated by Township Trustee James Hatfield and backed by attorney Keith Washburn, questioned Oberer’s compliance with state candidacy requirements.
Hatfield’s petition alleged that Oberer failed to provide essential documentation such as his high school diploma, college degree papers, or proof of holding a rank of Sergeant or higher for over two consecutive years — prerequisites mandated by Ohio state law.
In response, Oberer engaged with the Secretary of State’s office to contest the challenge, asserting the legality of his candidacy. He had previously submitted nearly 300 signatures, well exceeding the mandated threshold, to secure his place on the ballot.
In the hearing on Wednesday, board member Eric Rinehart recused himself from the proceedings after he made — what he called a “rookie mistake.” The “mistake” was doing a public records request to independently investigate Oberer’s qualifications. A complaint was filed with the Secretary of State by Oberer alleging that Rinehart was in collusion with the Lavender campaign, was bias, and should be removed. With Rinehart’s recusal, that left board members Philip Gray, Beth Neal, and Doug Corcoran to decide the fate of the former deputy. The latter two voted in favor to keep Oberer on the ballot after a contentious hearing that lasted more than two hours.
Oberer was represented by Mike Warren of Buckeye Legal and The Warren Law Firm, along with his law partner, Aaron McHenry.
Oberer was dismissed from his position as deputy Sheriff by incumbent George Lavender earlier this year, citing political activities. Oberer, in turn, characterized the termination as a form of political retaliation for challenging Lavender’s leadership.
The outcome of today’s hearing clears the way for Ross County voters to decide between sticking with the incumbent, Lavender, who has served for 16 years, or opting for a new direction with Oberer in the upcoming election.