Thomas Wins 65th District Seat Over Barbo
Republican David Thomas holds the Ohio House seat, defeating Democrat John Barbo in the Ashtabula and Trumbull county district.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should state government prioritize cutting taxes over boosting public school funding?
David Thomas won re-election as State Representative for Ohio's 65th District, receiving 27,036 votes to John Barbo's 20,252. The district spans parts of Ashtabula and Trumbull counties.
Why it matters
Thomas's win keeps the seat in his hands as he prepares to push for lower real estate taxes in the next legislative session. Barbo, a first-time state candidate, ran to ensure the seat faced opposition.
Thomas received 27,036 votes and Barbo received 20,252 votes in the 65th District race. The source does not specify the total turnout or whether additional write-in or minor-party votes were cast.
The players
David Thomas
David Thomas is the Ohio State Representative for the 65th District, who has pushed for lowering homeowners' tax burdens.
John Barbo
John Barbo is a Geneva High School teacher and coach and former Geneva City Council president who ran as the challenger in the district.
The details
Thomas, who was active in introducing bills during his first term, focused much of that term on lowering real estate taxes. Barbo, a Geneva High School teacher and coach who previously served as Geneva City Council president, made his first attempt at a state legislature seat.
Timeline
Tuesday: Election in which Thomas defeated Barbo.
January: Next legislative session begins, when Thomas plans to continue his tax-lowering work.
Legislative Context
Thomas's re-election extends the ongoing Ohio debate over lowering real estate and homeowner tax burdens, a central theme of his first term. His pledge to restrain a governor who prioritizes spending over saving positions him within that continuing state-level fiscal dispute.
Homeowners in Ashtabula and Trumbull counties could see state-level action on real estate taxes if Thomas follows through on his stated priorities in the coming session. The outcome depends on legislative action that has not yet been taken.
The takeaway
Local races like this one can hinge on a small number of voters, so checking your district's representatives and their stated priorities before each election helps you understand who will act on issues such as property taxes.
What happens next
Thomas plans to continue his tax-lowering work when the next legislative session begins in January.
Further reading
For more on the candidates and the state's voting results, see Elections coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Beacon.
Live Poll
Should state government prioritize cutting taxes over boosting public school funding?
