Race for Sandusky city commission is set
Five seeking election; three seats open
SANDUSKY — The fall ballot for city commission will feature five candidates with varied experience vying for three open seats.
One thing is certain: Sandusky City Commission will have a new look in 2026.
Luvada Wilson, the former Erie County clerk of courts, is the only candidate with a history of elected office. She’s credited with modernizing the clerk’s office, clearing backlogs, and streamlining services to make the office more efficient and accessible.
Tom Tucker, former Sandusky Schools superintendent, is making his first run for elected office. Since retiring in 2012, he has remained active in city and county service on a range of committees.
Gregg Peugeot, a medical malpractice attorney and 1995 Sandusky High School Blue Streaks quarterback, is also seeking office for the first time. He said he wants to help continue the city’s momentum and believes his legal experience can be an asset to the commission.
Patricia Ferguson, a 2011 candidate for commission, is back on the ballot. She’s known for organizing Sandusky’s Fun Day for more than a decade — a community event that connected thousands of residents with outreach services focused on addiction, bullying, and social support.
The potential wild card in the race is longtime commission critic Tim Schwanger. He’s refused to address past ties to former city commissioner Greg Lockhart — convicted of a sex offense involving a child — and podcaster Ashli Ford, who was recently convicted of intimidating Norwalk officials. Schwanger supported Lockhart’s 2019 re-election bid despite the conviction, calling it “personal business” and denying the conviction existed, contrary to court records. Schwanger now says neither Lockhart nor Ford will be involved in his campaign.
Over the past decade, Schwanger has opposed many of the city’s highest-profile initiatives, including redevelopment at Battery Park, the Jackson Street Pier project, and the streetscape overhaul on Columbus Avenue.
The deadline to file petitions was Wednesday.