The 2006 Ohio State Treasurer election was held on November 7, 2006. The Democratic nominee, Franklin County Treasurer Richard Cordray, defeated Republican challenger Ashtabula County Auditor Sandra O'Brien by a wide margin of 15 points. Cordray would not serve out a full term as treasurer, as he would go on to resign in 2009 in order to take office after winning the 2008 Ohio Attorney General special election held following Marc Dann's resignation.
As of 2025, this is the last time Democrats have won the office of Ohio State Treasurer.
Background Following Joe Deters' victory in the 2002 Ohio State Treasurer election, he went on to resign in 2004 after winning election to the office of Hamilton County Prosecutor. To fill the vacancy, Governor Bob Taft appointed Lieutenant Governor Jennette Bradley to the office.
Republican primary
Candidates Jennette Bradley, incumbent State Treasurer Sandra O'Brien, Ashtabula County Auditor
Campaign The Republican primary was held on May 2, 2006. The incumbent State Treasurer Jennette Bradley faced a primary challenge from Ashtabula County Auditor Sandra O'Brien. Bradley ran a lax campaign, with her advisors telling her to save her funds until the election. O'Brien attacked Bradley for her more left-leaning views, such as being pro-choice, and positioned herself as the more conservative candidate. In the end, O'Brien won an upset victory over Bradley, narrowly defeating her by three points.
Results
Democratic primary
Candidates Richard Cordray, Franklin County Treasurer
Campaign The Democratic primary was held on May 2, 2006. Cordray was initially challenged for the Democratic nomination by Montgomery County Treasurer Hugh Quill, but Quill withdrew from the race before the primaries.
Results
General election
Campaign Cordray substantially outraised O'Brien, by the time of the October debate having raised over $1.5 million, while O'Brien trailed far behind at only $25,000.
Candidates Richard Cordray, Franklin County Treasurer (Democratic) Sandra O'Brien, Ashtabula County Auditor (Republican)
Debates Complete video of debate, October 18, 2006
Endorsements
Results The election was not close, with Cordray winning by 15 points, sweeping 51 of Ohio's 88 counties.
References
External links Official campaign websites (archived) Richard Cordray (D) for Ohio State Treasurer Hugh Quill (D) for Ohio State Treasurer Sandra O'Brien (R) for Ohio State Treasurer Jennette Bradley (R) for Ohio State Treasurer