Former Delaware County Treasurer challenging sitting auditor in primary

George Kaitsa and Don Rankey are running in the May 5 Republican primary for Delaware County Auditor.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:08pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a county government building or office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting across the scene, capturing the quiet tension of a local political race.The race for Delaware County Auditor pits the incumbent's financial experience against the challenger's record of public accountability.Gambier Today

The former Delaware County Treasurer, Don Rankey, is challenging the county's incumbent auditor, George Kaitsa, in the Republican primary in May. Kaitsa has served as Delaware County auditor since being appointed in 2009 and is seeking reelection, while Rankey is seeking to get back into public office after losing a primary challenge in 2024 for Delaware County treasurer.

Why it matters

The winner of the May primary will run unopposed in November as no Democrats are running for the auditor's office, making this a crucial race that will determine the next Delaware County Auditor.

The details

Kaitsa has been endorsed by the Delaware County Republican Party and has completed approximately 500 hours of continuing education related to the duties and responsibilities of serving as County Auditor, receiving the 'Distinguished Auditor Award' in 2012, 2017, and 2022. Rankey previously served as the Delaware County treasurer, overseeing budgeting, investments, bond financing, and the collection of property taxes.

  • The Ohio primary election is on May 5, 2026, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Voters can also cast their ballots early at the Delaware County Board of Elections, 2079 US Highway 23 N Ste 4.

The players

George Kaitsa

The incumbent Delaware County auditor who has served in the role since being appointed in 2009. He is seeking reelection and has been endorsed by the Delaware County Republican Party.

Don Rankey

The former Delaware County treasurer who is challenging Kaitsa in the Republican primary. Rankey is seeking to get back into public office after losing a primary challenge in 2024 for the Delaware County treasurer position.

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What they’re saying

“I have completed approximately 500 hours of continuing education related to the duties and responsibilities of serving as County Auditor and have received the 'Distinguished Auditor Award' in 2012, 2017, and 2022 for that training and education.”

— George Kaitsa, Delaware County Auditor

“I am the best candidate because I bring extensive financial experience, a strong record of public accountability, and decades of leadership in complex real estate and operational environments.”

— Don Rankey, Candidate for Delaware County Auditor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race for Delaware County Auditor is a crucial one, as the winner will run unopposed in the November general election. Voters will have to weigh the experience and qualifications of the two candidates, Kaitsa and Rankey, to determine who is best suited to oversee the county's finances and property assessments.