Aker won’t seek third term

The county will have a new commissioner in 2027.

Jay County Commissioners president Chad Aker announced Monday he will not seek a third term for the middle district commissioner seat. His term runs through the end of 2026.

“I’ve got one last thing — everybody’s been asking me,” Aker said at the end of the regular commissioners meeting.

He read from a prepared statement, reviewing accomplishments he’s contributed to over the last seven years as a county official. Among those, he included converting more than 40 miles of stone roads to hard surface, improving employee compensation and supporting development of a new facility for Jay County Solid Waste Management District.

“These accomplishments required a substantial investment of time and effort, which I have largely found rewarding,” he said. “However, after careful consideration, I have decided not to seek a third term in office and to decline the nomination for commissioner president. This decision will allow me to devote additional time to my family and personal responsibilities.”

Bryan Alexander, a Jay County Council member and former Jay School Board member, and Aaron Loy, who serves on the Portland Board of Zoning Appeals and Jay County Fair Board, both announced their intentions to run for the middle district commissioner seat in late November. At that time, Aker said he was going to “hold off on that decision right now.”

Election filing for the 2026 primaries begins Wednesday, Jan. 7. Offices up for election in 2026 include the middle district commissioner seat, as well as four Jay County Council seats, sheriff, auditor, recorder and assessor.

Aker, a Republican, took office in 2019 after defeating his cousin Brian Aker by 163 votes in November 2018. He had knocked off incumbent Barry Hudson and Caleb Lutes in a three-way primary.

He went on to beat Democrat Joel Bowers 4,109-1,219 in the 2022 general election after defeating Alexander by a nearly two-to-one margin in the GOP primary.

Aker said he is hopeful that the next commissioner will bring dedication and energy to the role along with a “clear and forward-looking vision for the county’s future.”

“I appreciate all you do as president,” said commissioner Doug Horn to Aker before his announcement Monday. “That’s a lot of paperwork.”

“Yeah, you’ve been a good leader,” added commissioner Duane Monroe. “Even though we may not agree on everything, I appreciate (you).”