Democrat Jon Barber lost a close contest to Republican Bruce Zuchowski, who urged voters to “write down all the addresses” of those holding Harris yard signs.
Who Is Bruce Zuchowski ?
Bruce Zuchowski, the sheriff of Portage County, was reelected after facing criticism for his divisive remarks toward Kamala Harris supporters weeks prior.
Democratic candidate Jon Barber, who had forty years of law enforcement experience, lost to Republican candidate Zuchowski by less than two percentage points. Compared to his first triumph in 2020, this contest was much closer, but it was still more than enough to earn Zuchowski a second term in office.
Zuchowski stirred up controversy on social media
In September, Zuchowski stirred up controversy on social media by urging Portage County residents to “write down all the addresses of the people” on yard signs for Democratic presidential candidate Harris. Along with discussing illegal immigration, he called the current vice president a “Flip-Flopping, Laughing Hyena” and made reference to “Illegal human ‘Locust.'”
Democratic Party Chair Denise Smith of Portage County said Zuchowski “crossed the line in the sand” because of his words, while Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called them “very unfortunate.”
In the end, Zuchowski removed the offending tweet and stated in another that he had “sworn to protect ALL citizens of my County,”
In 2020, Bruce Zuchowski defeated Democratic opponent Greg Johnson by 12 points, becoming the first Republican sheriff of Portage County in over a decade.
In a county that supported the Democratic presidential nominee in every election from 1992 to 2012, the county voted for former Republican President Donald Trump by a 57%-41% majority on Tuesday, marking Trump’s third straight win.
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David Kees is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories that matter most. With over a decade of experience in news reporting and investigative journalism, David is dedicated to delivering clear, accurate, and engaging content that informs and inspires. Known for his insightful analysis and commitment to factual storytelling, he has covered everything from breaking news to in-depth features on global events. When he’s not chasing the next big story, David enjoys exploring new cultures, reading historical fiction, and discussing the latest developments in media ethics.
