As Cancer Spreads, Hamilton Co. Commissioner Portune Won't Run For Re-Election

Longtime county commissioner Todd Portune made the emotional announcement Thursday.

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune announced Thursday, September 12 his decision not to seek re-election in 2020 as he battles cancer. Photo via Hamilton County, Ohio, Twitter.

(Hamilton County, Oh.) - Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune is stepping away from politics to battle cancer.

Portune announced Thursday that he won't seek reelection next year, saying chemotherapy has not worked and his cancer has spread.

“My cancer has spread further and has left me in an extremely compromised position. I’ve got the biggest fight of my life ahead,” he told those gathered at a press conference.

The Green Township Democrat had his leg amputated last year in an effort to stop the disease.

Portune has been a county commissioner since 2000. Prior to joining the Board of Commissioners, he was a Cincinnati city councilman for eight years.

“There is no job that I have enjoyed better than having had the opportunity to serve the people of Cincinnati and Hamilton County,” Portune added.

Local politicians from both parties have wished the best for Portune. Hamilton County Democratic Party chairwoman Gwen McFarlin called him the “epitome of good government in action.”

“Greater Cincinnati is a far better place to live and work because Todd Portune has worked to make it so,” McFarlin said, noting Portune’s work on The Banks development and helping homeowners with flooded basements.

I have much respect for @TPortune. He has been a powerful political adversary to Republicans all while maintaining good humor and dignity. He’s a good man. That is more important than his political ideology. I wish him good health and best of luck in the days ahead. @HamCoGOP

— Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) September 12, 2019

Honored to have worked with @TPortune on @HamiltonCntyOH Commission and during my time on @CityOfCincy Council. He is a true public servant. Our prayers are with him and his family. https://t.co/x1DQo71AIt

— Chris Monzel (@ChrisMonzel) September 12, 2019