Ohio Democratic Party Announces Hires of Executive Director, Communications Director, and Political Director
March 30, 2026
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Today, the Ohio Democratic Party announced that it has brought on Cade Leebron to spearhead an expansive operation as Executive Director ahead of historic elections in Ohio, Marisa Nahem to lead communications efforts as Communications Director, and Jeremy Blake to lead the political department as Political Director.
“At a critical time in our state and country, the Ohio Democratic Party is excited to welcome Cade, Marisa, and Jeremy to the team as we build an organization that is ready to support a diverse array of candidates up and down the ballot,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde. “Cade, Marisa, and Jeremy’s experience in key battleground states and in leadership roles in red, blue, and purple communities across the state and throughout the country will be critical as we support Ohio Democrats and work to elect leaders who will protect Ohioans’ freedoms, keep our communities safe, and lower the sky-high costs that hardworking families face, including the cost of housing, healthcare, groceries, and energy.”
“I have seen firsthand the ways in which President Trump and Ohio Republicans are hurting young people across our state with their dangerous and out-of-touch agenda that puts billionaires and corporate special interests first while Ohioans foot the bill, and am determined to help lead a robust Ohio Democratic Party that will support Ohio Democrats as they fight to lower costs and protect our communities,” said Cade Leebron. “When Democrats show up, organize, and fight for a better future, we can win anywhere, and I look forward to Ohioans sending that message loud and clear in November.”
“It’s a privilege to come home to Ohio and work to elect Democrats up and down the ballot who will lower costs for hardworking Ohioans and ensure that our communities are able to grow and thrive,” said Marisa Nahem. “I look forward to joining an Ohio Democratic Party team that is ready to fire on all cylinders as we meet Ohioans of all political stripes in every corner of our state where they are, and work to elect leaders that will fight for Ohio families and stand up against Republicans’ actions that are raising costs and hurting our communities.”
“Ohioans want leaders who will put them first and who will work every day to create a brighter future in our state. Ohioans are not only ready to make that clear on election day, they’re also showing it right now, getting involved in their communities, volunteering, and even running for office themselves,” said Jeremy Blake. “With so much at stake in this election, I’m thrilled to join the Ohio Democratic Party’s team as we work to support Democratic leaders up and down the ballot who will protect Ohioans’ freedoms and ensure that our communities are places where everyone can be successful.”
Leebron – a graduate of The Ohio State University – has been involved in campaigns in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, including most recently managing U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan’s successful frontline reelection in New York’s 18th Congressional District, expanding his win margin from 1.3% in 2022 to 14.3% in 2024. She comes to the Ohio Democratic Party from the Leaders on the Fast Track (LOFT) Fellowship in Washington, D.C., and previously worked on Kathleen Clyde’s 2018 Secretary of State campaign.
Nahem – an Ohio native and graduate of The Ohio State University – has worked on campaigns at every level across the country, including in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and New Hampshire, and was the New Hampshire Communications Director for the Harris-Walz campaign. She comes to the Ohio Democratic Party after serving most recently as the Deputy Communications Director for a U.S. Senator from New England.
Blake – an Ohio native and graduate of Denison University – brings to the Ohio Democratic Party his extensive experience throughout Ohio in nonprofits, government, and political campaigns. He was a legislative staff member at the Ohio Statehouse, provided leadership as an elected school board president, and was later elected to serve two terms on a city council. He also was the Inaugural Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party Pride Caucus, and currently serves on the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission. Blake is deeply involved in the community as a member of various organizations such as the Harmony Project community chorus.
Press inquiries pertaining to the Ohio Democratic Party can be directed to [email protected].
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