The primary race for the Trumbull County Commissioner seat is becoming much more active as the deadline for candidates to apply is quickly approaching.

Current Lordstown Mayor Arlo Hill began pulling petitions to run as a Republican in the primary on Wednesday. He will need to pull 50 petitions to appear on the primary ballot.

"As you could tell, I'm considering the Commissioner race very strongly," Hill said. "I've spent a long time as mayor in Lordstown and this might be the next big step."

Hill still has two years left in his current mayoral term. He is also a member on the Trumbull County Board of elections. Seated officials can serve on the board, but candidates can not. Hill would have to step aside if he runs.

Other Republican candidates who have began pulling petitions to appear on the ticket include Denny Malloy and Christina Lee. 

Meanwhile current Trumbull County Commisioner Frank Fuda has pulled petitions to run as either a Democrat or and Independent. He currently holds the seat as a Democrat and would need to pull between 700 and 800 petitions to run as an Independent. Major parties only need 50.

Fuda did not immediately respond to a request clarifying which party he would run under or when he might ultimately make that decision.

Even if Fuda runs as an incumbent Democrat. he would likely face an opponent in the primary. Current Ohio State Representative and former Trumbull County Commissioner Michael J. O'Brien has begun pulling petitions to run as a Democratic Candidate.

"I want to get the Commissioners to work together," O'Brien said about his plans to run. "I've been in the Valley a long time, growing up here and serving many chairs like Warren Mayor."

O'Brien is approaching his term limit for representing Ohio's 65th District.

Candidates have until February 2 to submit filing to run as a candidate in the primaries on May 3.