Write-in candidate enters 4th Ward race

FINDLAY — Findlay's 4th Ward Councilman Dan DeArment won't go unchallenged for reelection in November, with the ward continuing to attract write-in candidates. Sarah Pugh, 34, of Findlay, has filed as a write-in candidate for 4th Ward. The deadline to file as a write-in candidate was Aug. 25. Pugh is a small business owner and lifelong resident of Findlay. DeArment, who is serving his first term on council, was unchallenged in this year's Republican primary election. In 2023, DeArment won the Republican nomination for 4th Ward in a three-way, write-in race in the May primary election. He then defeated two independent candidates in the general election to win the seat. DeArment, 64, retired from a 38-year career in civil and environmental engineering, construction, equipment fabrication and business management. This is DeArment's first public office, but if he's successful in being reelected, he will become a "senior" member of council. Eight of the 11 members of Findlay City Council, including Council President John Harrington, did not seek reelection. Early voting for the Nov. 4 general election begins Oct. 7.