Dayton’s 2025 City Commission Race: Meet the Candidates and What’s at Stake
- Westside News Room
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
As Dayton gears up for the 2025 election season, the race for two open seats on the Dayton City Commission is heating up. With a mix of experienced leaders and fresh perspectives, this election has the potential to shape the city’s future, particularly for residents on the Westside, where economic development, housing, and social services are critical issues.
Here’s a closer look at the five candidates vying for your vote and their visions for Dayton.
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Darryl Fairchild (Incumbent) – The Experienced Advocate
Background: Darryl Fairchild has served as a Dayton City Commissioner since 2018 and is seeking re-election. A lifelong Daytonian, he has been a strong advocate for neighborhood revitalization, housing improvements, and social justice. He also serves as the Manager of Chaplain Services at Dayton Children’s Hospital, where he provides support to patients and staff.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Neighborhood Investment – Advocates for home repairs, property refurbishments, and blight removal.
✔ Economic Development – Pushes for equitable city growth that benefits all residents.
✔ Community Engagement – Works closely with various groups to improve civic participation and public policy.
Fairchild’s experience in government and community leadership makes him a familiar face, but his challengers believe Dayton needs a fresh perspective.
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Karen Wick – The Business Leader & Education Advocate
Background: Karen Wick is best known as the co-owner of Coco’s Bistro and a two-term member of the Dayton Board of Education, served as Board of Education vice president in 2024. She has been deeply involved in community service, including playing a key role in the renovation of Welcome Stadium.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Affordable Housing & Homelessness – Seeks solutions to ensure all Dayton residents have access to stable housing.
✔ Neighborhood Strengthening – Supports grassroots leadership and community development.
✔ Small Business Support – Wants to streamline city services and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for entrepreneurs.
Wick’s campaign has received endorsements from Commissioner Chris Shaw and Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr., which signals strong backing from the city’s current leadership.
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Jacob Davis – The Civil Rights Advocate & Legal Expert
Background: Jacob Davis is a partner and managing attorney at Nalls Davis Law, specializing in business law, fair housing, and civil rights. Previously, he worked as a civil rights investigator for the City of Dayton (2020-2022), where he played a key role in enforcing fair housing laws.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Social Justice & Civil Rights – Committed to fair housing and protecting residents from discrimination.
✔ Economic Growth – Focuses on policies that support small businesses and economic empowerment.
✔ Community Service – Board member for House of Bread, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity.
Davis was named a Dayton Business Journal “Forty Under 40” honoree in 2023, highlighting his impact on the community.
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Darius Beckham – The Mayor’s Policy Aide & Young Progressive
Background: Darius J. Beckham is a Dayton native and the Senior Policy Aide to Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. He has played a significant role in shaping policy, including leading the city’s peace and violence interruption campaign. Beckham has also served as President of the Greater Dayton Young Democrats and was an AmeriCorps member.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Community Safety – Advocates for expanded violence prevention and intervention programs.
✔ Public Policy & Youth Engagement – Pushes for policies that uplift young leaders and create more opportunities.
✔ Economic Justice – Supports inclusive policies to ensure that new developments benefit Dayton’s most vulnerable populations.
Beckham’s campaign reflects a new generation of leadership, and he brings the perspective of someone who has worked closely inside Dayton’s government.
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Valerie Duncan – The Veteran Public Servant & Zoning Expert
Background: Valerie Duncan is a retired city employee with 31 years of experience in zoning administration. She has previously run for the Dayton City Commission and has deep knowledge of housing policies and urban development.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Neighborhood Development – Wants to streamline zoning laws and improve city infrastructure.
✔ Social Services – Focuses on aiding seniors, individuals in recovery, and the homeless.
✔ Community Advocacy – Longstanding champion for West Dayton residents, ensuring fair and equitable treatment in city policies.
Duncan’s experience in government operations makes her a candidate with hands-on knowledge of city regulations, but she faces stiff competition from candidates pushing for innovation.
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What This Race Means for Dayton’s Westside
For Dayton’s Westside residents, this election is about economic growth, job creation, and ensuring real investment in our communities. For too long, the Westside has seen businesses leave, opportunities decline, and promises of revitalization fall short. This race will determine who is truly committed to bringing jobs, attracting businesses, and driving economic development in the neighborhoods that need it most.
A strong local economy means supporting small businesses, improving workforce training, and creating pathways to stable, good-paying jobs. The next set of commissioners will have a say in how funding is allocated, which neighborhoods see investment, and whether the Westside receives the same economic opportunities as other parts of Dayton.
This election isn’t just about leadership—it’s about who will fight for the Westside to get its fair share of development, infrastructure improvements, and business growth. Who has a plan to attract new industries, build wealth, and make sure Dayton’s economic success includes the Westside? That’s the question voters should be asking.
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The Road to Election Day
The Montgomery County Board of Elections will review and validate all candidates’ petitions on March 18, 2025. If all five candidates qualify, a primary election in May will narrow the field to four, who will then compete in the November general election.
This race isn’t just about individual candidates—it’s about the future of Dayton and how the city will evolve to meet the needs of its residents. Whether you want experience, fresh leadership, or a balance of both, your vote will determine who helps lead Dayton forward.
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Final Thoughts: Get Involved & Vote!
Elections are not just about the candidates—they’re about the community coming together to shape its future. Take the time to learn more about each candidate, attend forums, and make sure your voice is heard at the ballot box!
Who do you think best represents your vision for Dayton? Let us know in the comments!