ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — Taylor Sappington is on track to become the next Athens County Treasurer. The Nelsonville City Auditor’s victory in the county’s only contested local primary sets him up for an uncontested race this fall.
Sappington defeated Athens City Council member Beth Clodfelter 54% to 46%, according to unofficial election night results from the Athens County Board of Elections. That’s a margin of 380 votes.
“I feel great. It was a good win. It was a competitive race,” Sappington said. “Beth did a great job and worked hard. We worked hard. And I’m just proud to have the confidence of Athens County, across almost all … precincts and all sides of the county, and of course then the majority. So, feel good and excited and ready to get to work.”
Sappington said he is especially proud of his performance in Nelsonville, where he won each of the four precincts. Sappington won Nelsonville by 70 votes total, with over 66% of ballots cast in his favor.
“I appreciate that the folks who got to see the work up close also gave their stamp of approval in the race, so it felt good, and I’m thankful to them for that,” he said.
Clodfelter issued a statement in response to the Independent’s request for comment.
“Thanks to each and every Athens County resident who voted for me,” the statement read. “I’m grateful to all of my supporters, those who posted yard signs, gave financial contributions, wrote letters to the editor, went door to door with me, and/or provided advice. I would like to congratulate Taylor Sappington on his victory.”
Clodfelter was endorsed by current county treasurer Ric Wasserman, and she secured victories in several precincts, primarily within the city of Athens, according to Athens County Board of Elections data. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Sappington’s lead in most other parts of the county.
As treasurer, Sappington previously told the Independent he would “focus heavily on the county land bank,” bring fresh eyes to the county’s financial policies and procedures and ensure financial accountability and transparency.
Sappington served four years on Nelsonville City Council following his election in 2015, and has now served four years as Nelsonville City Auditor. He received a bachelor of arts in political science and government from Ohio University in 2015, and a master of public administration from OU in 2023, according to his LinkedIn.
