Mark Hoelscher wants to bring a different perspective to county government, and he’s decided he can best do that as a county commissioner.
Hoelscher has withdrawn from this year’s Republican primary to be re-elected as auditor and instead filed to challenge Commissioner Brad Dwenger for the party’s District 1 Board of Commissioners nomination. Hoelscher served as auditor in the 1970s, then won the 2022 election for the position.
“I wasn’t getting anywhere as auditor,” Hoelscher said. “All I was doing was hitting a wall. I want to make changes in the operation of the commissioners and council, and the only way I can do that is to be one of the commissioners.”
The three commissioners districts cover vertical portions of the county, with District 1 serving the county’s eastern side. Hoelscher said he did specifically want to unseat Dwenger.
“I don’t like the way he behaves toward other officials, and I don’t like what he does as part of the Republican party,” Hoelscher said.
Wayne County Council member Beth Leisure chairs the county Republican Party, with Dwenger serving as vice chair. Hoelscher believes what Republicans stand for is not represented by the county party and some officeholders.
“I want to make some changes, and I can’t do it from where I am, because all I’m going to get is a constant fight,” Hoelscher said. “They’re not going to agree with me. It’s not going to happen.”
During a Jan. 7 council meeting, Leisure requested Hoelscher resign as auditor, blaming him for staff openings that Hoelscher said put the office in “turmoil” and left the office unable to process payroll without help from the departed payroll clerk. Hoelscher declined to resign, then after the meeting, he followed through with his plan to file for a second auditor’s term.
“I’m happy he’s not running for auditor,” Dwenger told WWN in reaction to Hoelscher’s change of plans. “I think it’s best for the county. I’m excited for the race.”
Dwenger unseated Ken Paust in the 2022 primary at the same time Hoelscher won the auditor’s race.
“I’m prepared to challenge any challenger to my seat, and I’m very confident in my ability to win, and I’m comfortable with my decisions the past four years,” Dwenger said. “We have a lot to do, and I’m excited about the next four years.”
Dwenger stressed that he’s one of three commissioners, so any accomplishments require a team effort. He wants to be part of upcoming projects such as a new courthouse elevator, continued improvements at the Wayne County Fairgrounds and the possibility of a casino.
“That’s going to be a transitional event for the county,” Dwenger said of the legalized gambling opportunity that some Wayne County officials are currently pursuing in the state legislature. “I have the business sense and the ability to se that through and make sure we’re making good decisions.”
As of Jan. 29, no Democratic Party candidates had filed to run in the primary for commissioner or any other county office.
Prospective candidates running as Republicans or Democrats for any office must submit paperwork by noon Friday, Feb. 6, to get on the May 5 primary ballot.
Keep up on the latest election and candidate news using the Western Wayne News 2026 Primary Election Guide.
A version of this article appeared in the February 4 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.