Dean Horst is a native of Franklin County and a graduate of Shalom Christian Academy. After completing high school, he served in the Marine Corp from 1990-1994. During that time, Dean was deployed to the Middle East where he served in Operation Desert Storm with loyal, courageous, and dedicated men and women. Serving his country and his fellow Americans has always been his honor. During his time in the service, Dean learned the importance of loyalty, honor, teamwork, and leadership. These lessons have become the basis of his leadership today. 

Dean is a God-fearing man, a loving husband, and a devoted father. He and his wife, Loretta, have been married for 29 years. Together, they have two married children who are starting families of their own.  He values family life and will fight to protect conservative family values here in Franklin County. Together with his wife, they work with Horizon Empower the Orphaned to uplift and change the lives of orphans in East Africa and Central America. 

In 2012, Dean and his brother executed the final steps in acquiring their family-owned business. With their team of 13 employees, Dean was able to implement creative strategies that fostered growth in Interstate Garage Doors (IGDOORS). Through hard work and determination, they have become the lead garage door company for the region. Dean has experienced the challenges, failures, and successes that many business owners face and he aspires to use this knowledge to help constituents. 

Franklin County is his home and he is committed to seeing his community flourish. As County Commissioner, he will work efficiently for current and future Franklin County residents by reducing the tax burden, protecting seniors, ensuring that the taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, and elevating the quality and standards of our schools. Small business is important to Dean and he will work on making Franklin County attractive to startups by cutting red tape and streamlining permit approvals while also preserving prime farmland and protecting open spaces from overdevelopment. 

It takes bold, courageous leadership to lead and bring change, and Dean is the conservative leader raised up for such a time as this.