Republican Jonathan Pearson is running for Hamilton County Commission in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Meeka D. Owens.

Pearson ran for the same seat in 2024 and lost to Commissioner Alicia Reece, according to Cincinnati CityBeat.

He is certified for the 2026 ballot.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Business: Owner of Pearson's Home/Turf in Fairfax since 1992, according to Cincinnati CityBeat
  • Background: Pearson described himself as a "pro-life Catholic conservative" in a WLWT interview. He said he also does street ministry.

Experience

Pearson listed the following experience in a WVXU candidate questionnaire:

  • Owner of Pearson's Home/Turf, also known as Pearson's Turf & Landscaping, since 1992
  • Golf course maintenance worker
  • Property manager and site foreman for a 175-acre subdivision in Indian Hill

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Pearson's responses to a WVXU candidate questionnaire. They reflect the candidate's own statements.

Taxes and budget: Pearson said taxes and rent costs are the top concerns he hears from Hamilton County residents. He said he would maintain a well-studied budget, honor tax rollbacks, cut unnecessary budget items and keep the public informed through the most transparent means possible.

Tax levies: Pearson said Hamilton County residents pay too much in taxes. He outlined a five-part formula for evaluating levies:

  • Whether the recipient actually needs the money
  • Whether it adds quality value to the county
  • Whether it comes at a modest cost
  • Whether it is redundant to other taxes
  • Whether the timing is right for new taxes

Sewer system upgrade: Pearson said he would focus on four priorities for the county's multi-billion-dollar sewer system upgrade:

  • Keeping management on task
  • Confirming all projects are necessary
  • Confirming projects stay on or below cost and on time
  • Keeping the public regularly informed

Bengals stadium lease: Pearson said taxpayers started in the hole on the stadium deal. He said he would like to see the Brown family "step into the lease with more skin in the game." He emphasized regular contact and forthright transparency as key to the county's relationship with any tenant.

Candidate responses referenced in this profile were published by WLWT and WVXU during the 2024 race. Voters can find the full questionnaires at those outlets.