Cincinnati City Council member Seth Walsh is running for Ohio treasurer as a Democrat in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Jay Edwards.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Walsh said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe that through strategic community investment in Ohio's farmers, public sector employees, and small business entrepreneurs, we can inspire a resurgence in our neighborhoods and foster positive growth across all communities."

Candidate information

Party: "Democratic Party"

Education: "Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Xavier University"

Family: "My parents and two sisters including my twin sister live in Michigan. I live in Cincinnati with my two dogs Calvin and Rosie."

Experience and public service

Walsh said in our questionnaire: "I have served on Cincinnati City Council for the last four years. On council I serve on the Budget and Finance, Equitable Growth and Housing, and Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Committees. I also serve on the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees. Before Cincinnati City Council I launched the Sedamsville Community Development Corporation and then led the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation."

Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, Walsh said: "I was appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December of 2022, and have since won reelection in 2023 and 2025."

Walsh is a native of St. Joseph, Michigan, who moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University, according to the Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association.

On the issues

What accomplishments show you can handle this job?

Walsh said: "As a community developer in Cincinnati, I added 110 housing units, 98% of them affordable, and helped launch nearly 20 small businesses. I also secured more than $85 million in economic development funding … I've stewarded public and private dollars responsibly, and as a pension trustee I've had a fiduciary duty to protect them. The Ohio Treasurer oversees $280 billion."

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates?

Walsh said: "I served on the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees, which makes me the only candidate in this race with pension board experience. My opponent's connection to the FirstEnergy scandal, the largest financial scandal in Ohio government history, also sets us apart."

Edwards' response to Walsh's characterization is not included in this profile.

Should unclaimed funds be used for stadiums or other projects?

Walsh said: "Ohio is safeguarding $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds that belong to individuals, families, and businesses. That money should be returned to its rightful owners, not used for legislators' pet projects, like financing a billionaire's football stadium."

How would you balance local investment against getting the best return with the least risk?

Walsh said: "Ohio's public dollars should serve Ohioans first. Today, hundreds of millions of dollars of Ohioans' money are invested in other countries instead of being reinvested in Ohio-based financial institutions and our community banks. As Treasurer of Ohio, I will not make new investments in any other country … On Day One I'll demand a full assessment of Ohio's investments in risky BBB bonds and require immediate reinvestment in safer, more profitable investments that are rated AAA, AA and A."

What specific programs would you launch in your first year?

Walsh said he would focus on community banks. "They lend to homebuyers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, and they know the neighborhoods they serve. In my first year as Treasurer, I will review existing programs like STAR Ohio and Ohio Homebuyer Plus to make sure Ohio's dollars go to Ohio's community banks first."

Best advice you ever received:

Walsh said: "The best advice I have ever received was to read and learn the budget for any organization that you are in … I will use this advice as Treasurer of State as well, so I can make the absolute best decisions for Ohio."