Joe St. John Announces Candidacy for Delaware County Commissioner
Senior Financial Executive and Mayor Brings Fiscal Discipline and Collaborative Leadership

January 7, 2026

Sunbury, Ohio - Joe St. John, Mayor of Sunbury and a Senior Vice President at a major financial institution, today announced his candidacy for Delaware County Commissioner, pledging disciplined financial stewardship, strong advocacy for taxpayers, and a collaborative approach to managing the County’s continued growth.

In his private-sector role, St. John has built a career overseeing complex operations, driving accountability, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. He has applied that same results-oriented mindset to public service, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and respect for taxpayer dollars.

“Delaware County is growing rapidly, and growth must be managed responsibly,” St. John said. “That means disciplined budgeting, thoughtful infrastructure investment, and leaders who understand both how the private sector works and how local governments can partner effectively to deliver results.”

As Mayor of Sunbury, one of the fastest-growing communities in Ohio, St. John has led major infrastructure initiatives while maintaining a clear philosophy that “smart growth should pay for itself,” thus easing residential tax burdens. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, working closely with State, Regional, County, and Local partners. This mindset was put into action when he acknowledged the need for a community recreation center and intentionally brought together leaders from Berkshire and Galena to establish a Joint Recreation District instead of acting independently.

St. John’s candidacy has already earned the support of sitting County Commissioners.

“Joe has earned the trust of Sunbury through strong, steady leadership as mayor,” said County Commissioner Barb Lewis. “That trust will serve our entire county well, and he has my full support for County Commissioner.”

County Commissioner Jeff Benton added, “As Mayor of Sunbury and using his strong business background, Joe St. John laid out a clear, carefully crafted, collaborative vision and strategic plan for his growing community. He will bring that same passion for smart, common-sense growth as the next Delaware County Commissioner.”

St. John said his campaign will focus on fiscal discipline, responsible infrastructure investment, public-private partnerships that diversifies our tax-base, and strong intergovernmental cooperation.

“I am running to provide steady, experienced leadership that plans ahead, works as a team, and treats taxpayer dollars with the care they deserve,” St. John said.

For more information, visit stjohnforcommissioner.com and follow Joe St. John on social media.

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