Mohamed Omar (Grove City City Council Ward 5, Ohio, candidate 2025)

Mohamed Omar

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Grove City City Council Ward 5

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Northern Kentucky University, 2024

Personal

Birthplace

Portland, Maine

Religion

Muslim

Profession

Higher Education

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Mohamed Omar ran for election to the Grove City City Council Ward 5 in Ohio. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Omar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Mohamed Omar provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 9, 2025:

• Birth place: Portland, Maine
• High school: Casco Bay High School
• Bachelor's: Northern Kentucky University, 2024
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Muslim
• Profession: Higher Education
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: A Future Built By All Generations
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Grove City City Council Ward 5

Amy Cowell, Mohamed Omar, and Sharon Ritchie ran in the general election for Grove City City Council Ward 5 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Amy Cowell (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Mohamed Omar (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Sharon Ritchie (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Omar received the following endorsements.

• Columbus Building Trades Council

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Mohamed Omar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Omar's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Mohamed Omar, and I’m running to represent Ward 5 on Grove City Council because I believe every resident deserves a voice in the decisions that shape our community. As the youngest candidate to ever run for Grove City Council, I bring a fresh perspective rooted in listening, collaboration, and action. With a Master’s in Education from Tiffin University and a background in community engagement and customer service, I’ve worked directly with families and organizations to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods. I’m committed to making Grove City a place where everyone feels heard, valued, and included, where we invest in safe streets, local businesses, and opportunities for all.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• My first priority is improving traffic and making streets safer for everyone in Ward 5. I want to reduce congestion, fix problem intersections, and ensure roads are safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. By using smart planning and listening to community input, I aim to make daily travel smoother and less stressful while keeping neighborhoods safe and accessible for all residents.
• My second priority is supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for economic growth in Ward 5. I want to help small businesses thrive by listening to their needs, encouraging new development, and ensuring that growth benefits the entire community. By strengthening our local economy, we can create more jobs, vibrant neighborhoods, and opportunities that help all residents succeed.
• Creating a community recreation center in Ward 5 is a key focus to provide safe and accessible spaces for families, youth, and seniors. The center would offer programs and activities that bring neighbors together, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community connections. By investing in a space where residents can gather, learn, and stay active, Ward 5 can become stronger, more connected, and a place where everyone feels included and supported.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about community engagement, public safety, and neighborhood development. I care deeply about creating safe, accessible streets and public spaces, supporting local businesses and economic growth, and ensuring that residents have opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their community. I am also committed to promoting programs and resources that strengthen connections among residents, particularly through education, recreation, and services that improve overall quality of life.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

City council is a unique and important part of government because it serves as the closest level of representation for residents. Members have the ability to directly impact the daily lives of people in their community through decisions on local policies, budgets, public services, and development projects. Unlike higher levels of government, city council members see firsthand the needs and concerns of residents and can respond quickly to address them.

This office also plays a key role in balancing the legal, financial, and practical aspects of city governance. Council members must understand local laws, regulations, and ordinances while making decisions that are fair, transparent, and in the best interest of the community. Their work ensures that city services run effectively, public resources are used responsibly, and residents’ voices are reflected in local policies.

By bridging the gap between residents and government, city council members help strengthen trust, foster community engagement, and shape the city’s long-term growth. The office is both a legal and civic responsibility, providing oversight, guidance, and leadership to ensure that the city operates efficiently and equitably for everyone.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important qualities for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the community. People need to trust that their leaders are making decisions with their best interests in mind and that they will be honest, transparent, and follow through on their promises. Accountability also means being present, listening to residents, and taking action based on what the community needs, not just what looks good on paper.

Leaders must also be approachable and willing to listen. Too often, decisions are made without hearing from the people they affect. I believe leaders should meet residents where they are—at schools, parks, community events, or even just knocking on doors—to understand concerns firsthand and work toward real solutions. When people feel heard, they are more invested in the community, and government becomes something that works for them instead of feeling distant or out of touch.

Inclusivity is another principle I value. Every voice matters, especially those that have not traditionally been represented. Officials should create opportunities for all residents to participate in decisions that shape their neighborhoods, from local programs to infrastructure improvements. Collaboration is also key, as no leader can solve every challenge alone. Working with colleagues, organizations, and community members allows for practical solutions to issues like traffic, public safety, and neighborhood development.

Finally, elected officials should think long-term. Every decision affects the future, so it is important to balance growth with preserving the community’s character and improving quality of life. By combining honesty, approachability, inclusivity, and collaboration, officials can make a meaningful difference and build a community where residents feel heard, valued, and proud to live.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe the core responsibilities of someone elected to city council are to represent the community, make informed decisions, and ensure that local government operates in a way that serves all residents fairly. Council members should listen to residents, understand their concerns, and bring those voices into the decision-making process. They are responsible for overseeing city services, managing budgets responsibly, and supporting policies that promote public safety, economic growth, and quality of life.

Elected officials should also be accessible and transparent, keeping residents informed about decisions that affect their neighborhoods. Collaboration with other council members, city staff, and community organizations is essential to solve problems and deliver practical solutions. Finally, council members have a responsibility to plan for the long-term health and growth of the city, balancing development with maintaining the character of neighborhoods and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave a legacy of community connection, engagement, and positive change. I want residents to feel that their voices were heard, their concerns mattered, and that local government was approachable and responsive. My goal is to help create a stronger, safer, and more connected Ward 5, where neighborhoods are supported, opportunities are available for everyone, and residents take pride in the place they call home. I hope to be remembered as someone who showed up, listened, and worked alongside the community to make meaningful improvements that benefit both current and future generations.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One of the lesser-known responsibilities of a city council member is the role in shaping the long-term vision and policies of the city. Beyond passing budgets and approving local ordinances, council members have the ability to influence zoning decisions, infrastructure planning, and community development projects that directly affect residents’ daily lives. They also play a key role in forming partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and other levels of government to bring resources and programs to the community.

Another often overlooked responsibility is acting as a bridge between residents and city staff. Council members hear firsthand the concerns of residents and help ensure that city departments respond effectively and equitably. They also provide oversight to make sure public funds are used responsibly and that local laws and policies are implemented fairly.

City council members can also serve as advocates for their community in larger regional or state discussions, giving a voice to local needs that might otherwise go unheard. These powers and responsibilities show that the office is not just about governance but also about shaping the quality of life, safety, and opportunities in the community.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

While previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, it is not required to serve effectively on city council. What matters most is a willingness to listen, learn, and work for the community every day. Fresh perspectives and new ideas can bring energy and innovation to local government. Being connected to residents, understanding their concerns, and showing up to address real challenges are just as important as experience in politics. A council member who is committed, approachable, and accountable can make a meaningful difference, regardless of prior government experience.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for someone serving on city council include strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. Council members need to listen to residents, understand diverse perspectives, and work with colleagues, city staff, and community organizations to address local challenges. Critical thinking and the ability to analyze budgets, policies, and proposals are also important to ensure decisions are effective, responsible, and in the best interest of the community.

Leadership and community engagement skills are equally valuable. Being approachable, responsive, and connected to residents helps council members understand real concerns and develop practical solutions. Skills in planning, negotiation, and conflict resolution can also help when balancing competing needs and priorities in a way that benefits the community as a whole.

Ultimately, a combination of interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills allows council members to serve effectively, make informed decisions, and create positive change for their neighborhoods.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

City council is a unique and important part of local government because it is the level of government closest to the people. Council members have the opportunity to directly impact the daily lives of residents through decisions on public safety, local services, infrastructure, and community programs. Unlike higher levels of government, city council can respond quickly to the needs of the community and make changes that have a visible effect on neighborhoods.

This office also serves as a bridge between residents and city operations. Council members hear directly from residents, provide oversight of city services and budgets, and ensure that policies are implemented fairly and responsibly. They help guide the city’s long-term growth while balancing development with preserving the character and quality of life in the community.

By combining local knowledge, oversight responsibilities, and the ability to engage directly with residents, city council plays a critical role in shaping a community that is safe, vibrant, and responsive to the people it serves.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Franklin County Young Democrats, Central Ohio Young Black Democrats, Ohio Young Democrats, Ohio Environmental Action Fund, Columbus Building Trades Council

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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