Big changes are ahead for Wadsworth City Council in 2026 after two incumbents were ousted in Tuesday’s election. Ward 1 Councilman Ralph Copley lost to Mike Reese, while Ward 4’s David Parish was defeated by just nine votes, with Angela May emerging as the winner. Ward 3 Councilwoman Jeanne Hines held onto her seat by only five votes, meaning both Ward 3 and Ward 4 will undergo automatic recounts.
Other Wadsworth winners include Dan Rospert as Council President, Jon Yurchiak in Ward 2, and Zac Burger, Chris Maxwell, and Tom Stugmyer securing the at-large council seats. Christine Baughman will continue serving as City Treasurer.
In Wadsworth Township, voters approved a fire renewal levy and elected Bob Engler and Edward Cipar as township trustees. For the Wadsworth School Board, Julie Batey and Amanda Gordon easily won re-election, while the third open seat remains undecided due to outstanding write-in votes.
Across Medina County, voters approved a renewal levy for the Medina County Park District by a 55% to 45% margin.
Meanwhile, Medina County Senior and Adult Services Director Laura Toth says support is on the way for seniors impacted by recent SNAP cuts. Beginning in mid-November, the agency will distribute shelf-stable food bags and $15 grocery gift cards at the Medina, Brunswick, and Wadsworth Senior Centers.
