Wittenauer wins Republican nomination for Monroe County Commissioner

Challenger defeats incumbent George Green in primary race

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:08am

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In Tuesday's Republican primary election, Marvin Wittenauer defeated incumbent Monroe County Commissioner George Green by a margin of 64% to 36%. Wittenauer will now face Democrat Pat Kelly in the November general election. The race was seen as a referendum on the county's handling of the Oak Hill senior living facility, which was recently leased to a private operator.

Why it matters

The Monroe County Commissioner race is a key local election that will determine the leadership and direction of the county government. The outcome reflects voter sentiment on issues like the Oak Hill facility lease, which has been a source of controversy in the community.

The details

Wittenauer, a challenger, received 2,375 votes (64%) compared to 1,339 votes (36%) for the incumbent Green. Voters were reportedly concerned about the county's process in leasing the Oak Hill senior living facility to a private operator, Accolade Healthcare. Wittenauer criticized the way the county handled the Oak Hill decision, saying "It wasn't what the county did with (Oak Hill), it's how they did it." He pledged to work to get voters "some answers" on the issue.

  • The Republican primary election was held on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Wittenauer will face Democrat Pat Kelly in the November 2026 general election for the Monroe County Commissioner seat.

The players

Marvin Wittenauer

The Republican challenger who won the nomination for Monroe County Commissioner, defeating the incumbent George Green. Wittenauer criticized the county's handling of the Oak Hill senior living facility lease as a key issue in the race.

George Green

The incumbent Monroe County Commissioner who was defeated by Wittenauer in the Republican primary election.

Pat Kelly

The Democratic nominee who will face Wittenauer in the November general election for the Monroe County Commissioner seat.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot to do. Let's put it that way.”

— Marvin Wittenauer, Republican nominee for Monroe County Commissioner

“It wasn't what the county did with (Oak Hill), it's how they did it. The voters have a lot of questions, and they would like some answers. What I want to do is work to try to get these voters some answers.”

— Marvin Wittenauer, Republican nominee for Monroe County Commissioner

What’s next

Wittenauer will face Democrat Pat Kelly in the November 2026 general election for the Monroe County Commissioner seat.

The takeaway

The Republican primary for Monroe County Commissioner was seen as a referendum on the county's handling of the Oak Hill senior living facility lease, with challenger Marvin Wittenauer defeating the incumbent George Green. Wittenauer's victory reflects voter concerns about the process and transparency around the Oak Hill decision, which he has pledged to address if elected.