Lake County, Ohio, must appoint a temporary replacement for Commissioner President Richard J. Regovich, who passed away last week at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer. The Lake County Republican Party Central Committee is tasked with this responsibility and has a window of 45 days to make the appointment.
The timeline for the appointment is set by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, which stipulates that the committee must convene between five and 45 days after the vacancy occurs. Regovich’s successor will serve until the next general election on November 3, 2026, when voters will elect someone to fulfill the remainder of his term, which extends until January 1, 2029.
Appointment Details and Election Process
According to Nick Ciolli, a policy analyst for the association, the individual appointed to fill Regovich’s position is not required to run in the upcoming election but is allowed to do so. If the appointee wins the election, they will serve the remaining two years of the term. In contrast, if a different candidate is elected, that person will take over for the rest of Regovich’s term.
The precise timeline for these events may depend on guidance from the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office and the filing of the official certificate of election by the county board of elections. Additionally, under state law, county commissioners have the option to designate an acting commissioner to maintain continuity before the party-appointed successor assumes office. The current plans of Lake County officials regarding this option remain unclear.
Legacy of Richard J. Regovich
Richard J. Regovich, a lifelong resident of Willowick and a former mayor, was remembered as a devoted public servant. His leadership was recognized when his colleagues selected him as board president in January 2023. Regovich’s contributions significantly affected seniors, families, and the broader community across Lake County.
As Lake County navigates this transition, Cleveland.com has reached out to county representatives to clarify the next steps in the appointment process and has also contacted the Republican Party Central Committee for insight into their timeline for the selection.
