As anticipated, three candidates have officially filed to run as independents in the upcoming November election for the position of Bellefontaine City Council President, a role currently held by Zeb Wagner.
The candidates—Ben Stahler, Danielle Buchanan, and Miranda Warren—each bring different backgrounds and political affiliations to the race, though all will appear on the ballot without formal party designation.
Despite their independent filings, the candidates’ political histories vary.
Miranda Warren has previously participated in Democratic primaries, while Danielle Buchanan has voted in Republican ones.
Ben Stahler, a former Republican mayor of Bellefontaine, underscores his continued association with the local Republican establishment.
Meet the Candidates
Warren is a small business owner and a longtime Bellefontaine resident.
An attorney who has served families in the area for 18 years, Warren is running on a platform of community-focused public service.
She lives in Bellefontaine with her husband, Andy, and their children.
Warren emphasizes a vision of positive growth and civic engagement.
Stahler, a lifelong member of the Bellefontaine community, holds a Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University and retired from the profession in 2014.
That same year, he was appointed mayor, a position he would be elected to twice, serving until 2023.
Stahler remains deeply involved in local civic and charitable organizations, including Logan County Children Services, LoCo Arts, and the Logan County Education Foundation.
He and his wife, Sara, are parents to three adult children and grandparents to six.
Buchanan brings a background in corporate financial crime investigation, supported by degrees in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity.
She currently serves on the executive board of the Top of Ohio Patriots, a group advocating for faith-based values and personal liberty.
An active member of Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Buchanan is also known for her passion for local service and leadership.
She lives in Bellefontaine with her husband, Skate, and their French Mastiff, Merlin.
As the time gets closer, we will have more on these candidates with full interviews to come this fall.
