The Hamilton County Republican Party made history on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021—during Black History Month—by unanimously voting to appoint Charles E. Winburn as the first African-American county treasurer in Hamilton County’s 230 years. Winburn is also the first African-American man to serve in the Hamilton County executive branch from either political party.
Winburn was the Republican candidate for Hamilton County Treasurer in 2020. He received more than 202,000 votes, barely losing by 1.9 percent. Winburn was also the second highest Republican vote-getter in November behind Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters.
Winburn will serve as county treasurer until Sept. 7, 2021, filling the unexpired term of Robert Goering, who was elected as a county common pleas judge in November.
Winburn’s extensive career includes the following:
- 35 years in public service
- 15 years on Cincinnati City Council
- 6 years on Ohio Civil Rights Commission
- Chair of the Jobs Growth Committee on Cincinnati City Council, where he fought to keep 2,000 U.S. Post Office jobs in the city.
- 4 years as budget chair on Cincinnati City Council. He helped establish a structurally balanced city budget and helped save the city’s pension system from near bankruptcy. He also protected city police and firefighters from layoffs.
- Master’s Degree in Education/Social Foundations from the University of Cincinnati.
- Studied at Harvard Business School, receiving a Certificate in Authentic Leadership Development.
“I am grateful and thankful to the Hamilton County Republican Party for giving me an opportunity to serve Hamilton County citizens,” Winburn said. “I am most appreciative to have received 202,000 votes from county residents. But be assured, I will serve every taxpayer and citizen of Hamilton County.”
