Republican and former Highland County Commissioner Shane Wilkin was the winner Tuesday night in the race for representative of Ohio’s 91st House District, taking a decisive victory over Democrat Justin Grimes in Highland, Clinton, Pike counties and a portion of Ross County.
Wilkin won 10,422 votes in Highland County to Grimes’ 2,850 in unofficial results from the Highland County Board of Elections, 10,970 in Clinton County to Grimes’ 3,498, 5265 in Pike County to Grimes’ 3,112, and at press time, 1,353 to Grimes’ 624 in the portion of Ross County included in the 91st District.
Wilkin has held the seat since June, when he was sworn in to replace former representative and Speaker of the House Cliff Rosenberger, who resigned in April amid an FBI investigation.
On Tuesday night, Wilkin said his win was “humbling.”
“Like I’ve said in my races for commissioner, it’s always humbling when a county or community puts its faith in you,” he said. “It’s just magnified when you spread that out over three counties… when they believe in you and believe in your ideas, and put their trust and faith in you to get to Columbus to do what’s right.”
Wilkin thanked his wife, Kristy, and his family for supporting him in the race.
“I’m very lucky and blessed to have them be so supportive,” he said.
Wilkin also thanked Destiny Bryson for running his campaign in her spare time, adding, “I want to thank all the people that supported me, from the primary until now.”
Wilkin acknowledged Grimes for his effort in the race as well.
“I want to congratulate Justin on his race,” he said. “Your first foray into politics can be tough, and jumping in at the state level is a tough thing to do.”
Grimes could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570.
