Washington County Democrats and Republicans will welcome candidates to annual spring gatherings over the next week, with the May primary election on the horizon.

The 2026 Democratic Spring Dinner kicks off with a 5 p.m. social hour on Friday at the Shrine Club, 249 Pennsylvania Ave., Marietta.

A number of Democratic candidates are expected to attend, including Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner, who will be the keynote speaker at the event and is unopposed in the primary as she seeks another term.

Four Republicans – Andrew King, Jill Lanzinger, Ronald Lewis and Colleen O’Donnell – are vying for their party’s nomination to the seat.

The deadline for ordering tickets to the dinner has passed.

The Washington County Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner on Tuesday at the Tower Event and Conference Center, 400 Tennis Center Drive, will host U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor, the incumbent Congressman representing Ohio’s 2nd District.

Redistricting will move Washington County from the 6th District to the 2nd in the upcoming term.

Taylor faces Bob Carr in the GOP primary.

The Democratic Primary for the seat is between Jen Mazzuckelli and Todd Wilson.

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online through Eventbrite or by calling 740-336-4750.

Ohio’s primary election will take place on May 5.

The deadline to register to vote is April 6.

Early voting begins April 7.