Josh Mandel won the State Treasurer of Ohio race against Democratic candidate Connie Pillich with 57 percent of the vote while Pillich had 42 percent of the vote.

“Today’s overwhelming re-election of Treasurer Josh Mandel goes to show that Ohio voters appreciate a positive campaign that focuses on the facts and rises above the political rhetoric,” said Rebecca Wasserstein, a spokeswoman for Mandel. “As Ohio Treasurer, Josh Mandel cleaned up the corruption left over from the previous administration and has been nationally recognized for his steady leadership and responsible financial management of our tax dollars.”

Mandel said if he wins, he plans to open Ohio’s checkbook online for anyone to view.

“It will be the first time in the state of Ohio where citizens will be able to see every single penny spent in state government and to hold politicians accountable,” Mandel said in a previous interview.

Mandel is celebrating his projected victory at an election party at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus.

Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel’s victory speech from KentWired.com on Vimeo.

A Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq, Mandel was elected as Ohio State Treasurer in 2010 and is the youngest candidate in office today. During his time in office, Mandel said, the state’s finances have improved, bringing Ohio from the 43rd to 7th in the nation.

Pillich also celebrated election night in Columbus.

“I am really proud of our campaign. I am proud that we earned twenty different newspapers’ endorsements. I am proud that over 4,000 people contributed to my campaign. I am proud that over a million Ohioans voted for me,” Pillich said in her concession speech.

Contact Hilary Crisan at [email protected].