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2026 PROGRESSIVE CANDIDATES: CLARK COUNTY
Some candidates run state-wide, with responsibilities encompassing the entire state while others run for a specific jurisdiction called a district for legislative offices or a county, city, village, or township for local offices. The Governor is a statewide office elected by every Ohio voter. A member of the US House of Representatives runs in and represents a single district within Ohio. A Mayor runs in and is elected by members of the city or village she wants to represent.
Every one of these offices affects your life! Please take the time to vote for every office on the entire ballot.
Statewide Offices
Amy Acton is running for Governor with David Pepper as her Lieutenant Governor The Governor is the chief executive of the state. She will define the priorities for the legislature to implement and will appoint state officials (such as Director of Veterans’ Services or Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services) who will carry out the governor’s priorities in their respective agencies.Additional duties include proposing the state budget, establishing policy for the state, appointing some judges, and ensuring public safety (Ohio National Guard, Ohio Highway Patrol).The governor also serves on the Ohio Redistricting Commission.One very important responsibility of the governor is signing and vetoing legislation, including the line item veto ability in the state budget. This responsibility can support positive legislation and prevent some of the horrible legislation passed in Ohio in the recent past such as tax breaks for the wealthy and selling out our state parks.
Read more about Dr. Amy Acton’s and David Pepper’s policy priorities here. A few highlights of how they plan to help Ohioans include:Providing guardrails against data centers exploiting communities.Implementing the Fair Schools Funding Plan to adequately fund Ohio’s public education system.Ensuring women’s health and reproductive freedom.
The republicans running against Acton and Pepper are Vivek Ramaswamy and Rob McColley. Ramaswamy wants to slash property taxes, phase out income taxes, and eliminate capital gains taxes. Whew! How will we fund schools and state services? McColley currently serves as President of the Ohio Senate. In that capacity he presided over the most recent republican budget for Ohio which discontinued the Fair School Funding Plan while simultaneously cutting taxes on those who make over $100,000. Policy Matters Ohio provided a scorecard of significant impacts from the budget.We need someone who will fight for public education and for the lives of ordinary citizens. We need Dr. Amy Acton!
John J. Kulewicz for Ohio Attorney GeneralThe Ohio Attorney General serves as the state’s chief law enforcement officer,responsible for providing legal counsel to state agencies, representing the public interest, advocating for Ohio consumers, and enforcing state laws.The office handles civil and criminal cases (such as the case against HB 6 participants), administers the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and protects consumers from fraud.The Attorney General also provides oversight of Ohio non-profits to ensure that all monies donated are used in accordance with the organization’s stated mission and Ohio law.They support victims of crime including victims of human trafficking and children who have been exploited.The Ohio Attorney General protects Ohio from Federal Government overreach into state responsibilities. This has become increasingly important under the current federal administration.The Democratic Attorneys Generals Association has been at the forefront of pushing back against Trump administration overreach. Ohio’s Republican Attorney General has been supportive of everything the Trump administration wants. When we elect a Democrat as Attorney General, Ohio will be able to join the fight to protect US citizens and our legal rights.John J. Kulewicz’s priorities include:Addressing the corrupt link between the board chair of JobsOhio and the corporations that he lobbies for.Restoring transparency and accountability to our government.Protecting consumer rights.Moving forward with the HB6 corruption case to ensure those involved are held accountable.Read more about John Kulewicz here. He also has a great Facebook page. Keith Faber is the Republican running for Attorney General. It is not clear that he understands the responsibilities of the OHIO Attorney General. Among other priorities listed on his website, he states, “Working alongside President Trump, Keith will fight against federal policies that undermine state authority, dismantle unnecessary bureaucracy, and secure the southern border to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into Ohio.” Wow! Since it is the Trump administration that is undermining state authority, it’s a mystery how working with Trump will address the problem. And does he understand geography? Ohio’s southern borders lead to Kentucky and W. Virginia. The residents of both states are welcome to visit Ohio and move to Ohio any time without being accused of illegal immigration.
Allison Russo for Secretary of StateThe Secretary of State is the chief election officer responsible for ensuring that every voting Ohioan experiences a free and fair election.As part of the responsibility for elections, she is responsible for ballot language for statewide issues. She also protects Ohio from federal government and other outside interference in elections.Additional responsibilities include serving as the central filing authority for businesses, public documents, and official government records.She serves on the Ohio Redistricting Commission.
Allison Russo’s priorities for Secretary of State include:Ensuring the office of the Secretary of State is non-partisan and that it serves all Ohioans.This includes supporting all voters in easily casting their votes, supporting county boards of election, and ensuring ballot language for issues accurately reflects the ballot initiative.Read more about Allison Russo here.Robert Sprague is the Republican candidate for Secretary of State. Among other priorities, he wants to eliminate ballot drop boxes and require photo ID for mail in ballots, both of which will make it harder for citizens to vote.
Annette Blackwell for Ohio Auditor of StateThe Ohio Auditor of State is the state’s chief compliance officer and is responsible for ensuring that Ohio’s state and local governments operate efficiently, effectively, and transparently to benefit the residents of Ohio.Her responsibilities include auditing over 5,900 government entities, investigating fraud and misuse of public funds, and ensuring transparency across Ohio’s local and state governments.She serves on the Ohio Redistricting Commission.Annette Blackwell’s priorities include:Root out the corruption plaguing Ohio’s government. Safeguard taxpayer dollars. Stand against the raid of local government funds by Statehouse politicians.Read more about Annette Blackwell here.Frank LaRose, the current Secretary of State, is the Republican running for Auditor. AsSecretary of State, LaRose manipulated ballot language to distort the meaning of citizen led initiatives. He gave protected voter information to the Trump administration, and he simultaneously said our elections are the most secure in the country while also saying we need more restrictions on our elections. LaRose has no information at all in his campaign website about his priorities as Auditor.
Seth Walsh for TreasurerThe Ohio Treasurer serves as the state’s chief financial officer, banker, chiefinvestment officer, and custodian of public funds.The Treasurer also manages daily cash flow, serves as custodian of public assets,provides financial education throughout Ohio, and collaborates with local governmententities to ensure sound financial practices are in use.Overall, the Treasurer ensures the financial integrity of Ohio’s treasury.Seth’s priorities include:Investing Ohio funds in Ohio institutions and businesses.Protecting public pensions.Supporting the expansion of affordable housing.Republican Jay Edwards is running against Seth Walsh. Jay has no policy positions on his website, but he did include this statement on the website: “As State Representative, Jay served as the House Finance Committee Chair where he sponsored and passed a $3.2 billion dollar tax cut, and universal school choice.” Good to know! He damaged local public schools in two ways: by reducing statewide funding available for schools and by allowing rich people to get free tuition at private schools.
Justice Jennifer Brunner for the Ohio Supreme CourtThe Ohio Supreme Court is the highest court in the State of Ohio, interpreting and applying Ohio law, overseeing appellate cases, regulating the legal profession, and supervising the administration of all state courts.The Ohio Supreme Court hears critical cases such as the constitutionality of school funding and of the current redistricting plans. (Note that neither is constitutional today.)The Ohio Supreme Court will also determine the constitutionality of the various anti- abortion laws passed by the Ohio legislature.As with the US Supreme Court, the Ohio Supreme Court issues binding opinions that set precedent for lower courts in Ohio.We have two seats for the Ohio Supreme Court on the ballot this November.Justice Jennifer Brunner has been a Supreme Court Justice since 2021. Her priorities as amember of the Supreme Court include:Fairness, equality, and respect for all people.Fair legislative and congressional districts.Fair labor practices.Republican Collen O’Donnell is running against Justice Brunner. She calls herself aconstitutional conservative who is running for he Ohio Supreme Court to preserve a conservative majority on the court. Note that the goal is partisan rather than focused on upholding the law. On her website she bragged about being an immigration judge in Laredo, Texas, where she never once granted asylum. That is not something to brag about!
Judge Marilyn Zayas for the Ohio Supreme CourtJudge Marilyn Zayas has served nearly nine years on Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals. Her priorities for the Supreme Court are:Political independence, following the Ohio Constitution and the rule of law.Ensuring the Ohio Supreme is a beacon of integrity and accountability, free from outside influence.Ensuring the legal system works for everyday Ohioans.Republican Supreme Court Justice Dan Hawkins is running against Marilyn Zayas. His website does not include a single priority or goal for his election to the Supreme Court.
Ohio Legislative Offices
Darrell Jackson for Ohio House District 4Darrell is a retired Sheriff Deputy with 26 years of service to Clark County. He understands what we need. He is out and about in the community as shown inhis Facebook page Vote Darrell Jackson.Darrell states: Ohio’s strength comes from public servants committed to fairness andopportunity. In recent years, our middle class has carried the burden of poor policy choices. I’m running to restore common sense, strengthen our schools and communities, and ensure economic opportunity reaches every Ohioan.Darrell has been endorsed by: OEA, SPPA, UFCW, UAW, FOP Lodge 72, IAFF Local 333, OCSEA-Local 11, AFSCME,OAPFFThe Ohio House of Representatives is comprised of 99 representatives representing 99 districts within Ohio. Residents within Clark County are part of two Ohio House districts: District 71 and District 74. Ohio House members propose, review, and if appropriate pass laws that will benefit Ohio and they enact state budget laws that affect the entire state. These laws include income taxes (today that includes tax cuts for the wealthy), sales taxes, how property taxes can be used, and school funding (today’s school funding is unconstitutional and doesn’t even comply with the Legislature’s own Fair School Funding Plan).
Krista Magaw for Ohio House district 71Krista is retired from the Tecumseh Land Trust where she was responsible for preserving thousands of acres of Ohio farmland. She truly understands the needs of rural communities in Ohio. She has created a series of videos on her Facebook page Krista Magaw for Ohio where she explains her positions on a number of veryimportant issues in Ohio.Krista states: The job title of House Representative is also the job description. To represent means to listen to and speak for the people in your district, and develop programs and legislation to address their concerns.Krista has been endorsed by: Ohio education Association, Ohio, Federation of teachers, Dayton Building Trades Council, teamsters, AFSCME, Matriots, and Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. The Ohio House of Representatives is comprised of 99 representatives representing 99 districts within Ohio. Residents within Clark County are part of two Ohio House districts: District 71 and District 74. Ohio House members propose, review, and if appropriate pass laws that will benefit Ohio and they enact state budget laws that affect the entire state. These laws include income taxes (today that includes tax cuts for the wealthy), sales taxes, how property taxes can be used, and school funding (today’s school funding is unconstitutional and doesn’t even comply with the Legislature’s own Fair School Funding Plan).
Clark County Offices
Brad Soles for Clark County CommissionBrad works as a Volunteer Coordinator at Mercy Health. He knows how to coordinate large teams, stretch budgets, and deliver real results under pressure. He also serves as a coach for the Clark County Shining Stars, a local baseball team for athletes with developmental disabilities. He is a sponsor and mentor for individuals struggling with addiction. As the founder of &"The Tunnel", Brad creates grassroots initiatives across Springfield to bring residents together, foster open dialogue, and support local entrepreneurs. You can learn more about Brad on his website, and you can see how active he is on his Facebook page.Brad said: I’m Brad Soles, running for Clark County Commissioner because the community deserves a commissioner who answers to you. Leadership isn't built on political ambition it's built on showing up for the people around you. My mission as your County Commissioner is to bring the same level of commitment, transformation, and authentic connection to our local government that I have brought to "The Tunnel" and my coaching. I believe public service is about listening, understanding, and translating our community’s needs into action.Brad is running against Sasha Rittenhouse who called herself a Trump Republican in her first campaign. She now calls herself a fiscal conservative.
Seth Evans for Clark County CommissionSeth built a successful marketing business (Big Fish Local) that started in his house. He serves as a pastor at Lawrenceville Community Church. He chairs the public relations committee for Leadership Clark County. He also leads a community youth group of about 15 kids from churches all across our area — because he believes kids are our future. You can learn more about Seth on his website, and you can see his community activity on his Facebook page.Seth said: I grew up on a farm, built a business from a spare bedroom, and have spent my life serving this community — in a church, in a classroom full of teenagers, and across the county I'm proud to call home. I'm running as an Independent because the people who live here deserve a commissioner who answers to them, not to a party line. People ask why I’m not running with a party. Here’s the honest answer: the decisions in front of a county commissioner — roads, budgets, development, public safety — aren’t Republican or Democrat problems. They’re Clark County problems. Running as an Independent means I’m free to do what’s right for the people who live here, without checking a party line first.Seth is running against Greg Kaffenbarger who was elected to the Clark County Commission earlier this year to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner Melanie Wilt.
Dr Aamir Khan for Clark County CoronerDr. Aamir Khan was appointed to the position of Coroner following the resignation of Dr. Brown. He has served Clark County since May 2026, fulfilling the unexpired term of Dr. Brown. Dr. Khan is now running for a full term that will start January 1, 2027.He said: As an Internal Medicine Physician in Clark County, I have spent my career diagnosing complex diseases, managing critical clinical decisions, and guiding families through the end-of- life care with clarity and compassion. I have also spent time as the Chairman of the Peer review Committee at Springfield Regional Hospital conducting interviews and reviewing charts of patients who have passed away and have been recognized for my services to the hospital andcommunity at large. Throughout my life, I have sought to conduct myself with integrity and with care and concern for the people I interact with every day.Dr. Khan is running against Dr. Joel Macey who admitted he knows little about the office of County Coroner during an interview with Leadership Clark County.
U.S. Legislative Offices
Don Leonard for District 15Don Leonard is running against incumbent Mike Carey in District 15. Don has an incredible life story, values we share, and a vision for what Congress can do to help real people. You can read about him and support his campaign on his website here. Don said: I am running to represent everyone in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District. I will show up for town halls even when the conversations get tough. I think that’s when we need democracy the most. Working with my constituents at home and my colleagues in Washington, I will fight relentlessly for an economy that’s fair, prosperous, and sustainable—so that Buckeyes like my daughter can dare to dream ever bigger dreams.Don is endorsed by AFSCME, Committee to Protect Healthcare, American Federation ofGovernment Employees, Franklin County Young Democrats, SEIU, Buckeye Veterans Coalition, UFCW Local 1059, and the American Committee for Middle East Rights.
Tracey Tackett for District 4Tracey Tackett is running as an Independent against Jim Jordan in District 4. Tracey is a local business owner, community volunteer, and Assistant Mayor for the City of Springfield. You can read about her on her website here.While Republicans are more numerous in District 4 than Democrats, Unaffiliated/Independent voters are more numerous than both parties combined. District 4 has been expanded to include all or parts of 14 Ohio counties, many of which have not been represented by Jordan in the past. An Independent candidate has a real opportunity to win this year.Tracey said: I think we can do better as a country, and that is the choice in front of us. Congress is failing in its constitutional responsibility, having handed more of its power to the other branches for decades. I want to restore accountability to government, starting by showing that even in an R+21 district, incumbents have to worry. I want to end partisan gridlock and have Congress do its job again: legislate, restrain the presidency, and serve the general welfare. As an Independent in a closely divided House, I can make that happen. Im also a community-firstcandidate, and much of my life has been spent growing and connecting our Springfield community. Congress needs a voice for local communities and local government, especially places like ours that have struggled in a changing world, because that is where many of our problems get solved and where one-size-fits-all solutions fail. I bring that experience and that perspective.Tracey has been endorsed by Clark County FOP Lodge 209, Springfield ProfessionalFirefighters IAFF Local 333, Forward Party, and UAW Region 2B Ohio State CAP Council.
Sherrod Brown for US SenateFormer Senator Brown is running against appointed Senator Jon Husted. Senator Brown is fighting for:Fair trade policies that will neither impoverish Ohioans nor move their jobs out of state.The dignity of work so that those who work earn enough to live on and receive theretirement benefits they have earned.Reduced prescription drug costs that make a difference in family finances.Affordable healthcare.Consumer protections.Husted has created an enormously destructive legacy in the short time he has been in the Senate. Congress is supposed to be one third of the balance of powers defined in our US Constitution. Under the Trump Administration, the majority Republican Congress has been missing in action. Senator Jon Husted has enabled every cruel and destructive policy the administration has promoted. He has allowed the administration to defund congressionally funded services and agencies, to enact illegal tariffs, to go to war without provocation or authorization, to defundscientific research, to appoint grossly unqualified personnel to leadership positions, to allow ICE thugs to break the law while arresting and incarcerating immigrants, and so much more.Husted voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill that reduced funding for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act policies. This bill extended tax cuts for the richest in the US, which resulted in the US debt exceeding $40 trillion today, and continuing to grow every day. He voted to increase funding for ICE to unprecedented and dangerous levels, despite the already enormous national debt. He refused to vote in favor of a war powers resolution or to support a bill passed by the House of Representatives to extend TPS for Haitians until 2028.Sherrod Brown fights for Ohio and for ordinary people. Senator Husted fights for his friends while hurting Ohioans. Husted has caused our cost of living to skyrocket and our country to become less safe. We need someone who will fight for the lives of ordinary citizens. We need Sherrod Brown!The US Senate is a statewide office that cannot be gerrymandered. Every Ohio vote counts for the US Senate. We can elect Sherrod Brown with all of the votes in Ohio.
Local Ballot Issues
Why We Need Darrell and Krista: The Recent Ohio Super Majority
Ohio’s long-standing Republican supermajority has shaped decisions affecting our public schools, taxes, environment, utility costs, and economic growth. It’s time to take a closer look at these decisions, understand their impact on Ohioans, and consider why new leadership matters. Learn why Darrell Jackson and Krista Magaw believe Ohio deserves a different direction.
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