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Columbus, OH — On Monday after being sworn in, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders that will raise the cost of lifesaving healthcare, pledged to raise prices for Ohioans by imposing new tariffs, and more.

In response, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters released the following statement.

“Donald Trump promised more money in pockets, but it’s clear that he only meant for fellow billionaires. Instead of working to solve our problems, he’s spending time issuing a slew of executive orders that only help people like him. While Donald Trump screws over America one executive order at a time,  Democrats will continue working to actually deliver results for Ohioans.”

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Columbus, OH — Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters released the following statement to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, we must also remember that it’s up to all of us to continue Dr. King’s work. He believed that the best leaders put public service ahead of politicking and justice ahead of judging others. He famously said ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ Today and every day, Ohio Democrats are committed to living Dr. King’s values and working towards justice in our state and our country. “

Toplines on Ohio’s Newest Senator:

• Husted, a “good friend of FirstEnergy” pushed legislation that led to the largest corruption scandal in Ohio history, raising bills for Ohioans while bailing out large corporations. Despite a trail of evidence indicating otherwise, Husted denies all involvement.
• During his time as lieutenant governor, he also served on the board of Heartland Bank. Almost three years into his term on the board, he hasn’t answered questions about why he’s padding his own pockets at the expense of Ohio taxpayers.

Columbus, Ohio- Following the announcement that Governor Mike DeWine will appoint Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill JD Vance’s Senate seat, Democrats are making sure Ohioans know the truth about their Senator. Husted is a career politician who was deeply involved in the biggest corruption scandal in Ohio’s history. 

Documents, texts,and donations paint a picture of a lieutenant governor deeply embroiled in scandals that raised energy prices for Ohioans while padding the pockets of corporate executives. Under DeWine & Husted’s leadership, Ohio is known as the most corrupt state government in the United States. And the politician at the heart of it all just got a promotion.

Instead of working to lower costs for Ohioans, Husted has spent his time texting FirstEnergy executives, soliciting “donations” (bribes)  from FirstEnergy executives, and avoiding testifying at depositions. Ohioans deserve a Senator who truly wants to work for them, not just further his own career while conveniently running away from the biggest corruption scandal in Ohio history. 

“While Governor DeWine may have handed Husted a literal get out of jail free card, Ohioans won’t tolerate a career politician with a penchant for corruption & scandal ,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters. “It’s already clear we can’t trust Husted. Over the next two years, Democrats will work tirelessly to hold Husted accountable and will be contesting this competitive seat in the midterm election.” 

Read more about the trail of corruption that follows Husted to the Senate: 

Cleveland.com: FirstEnergy made secret $1 million payment for ‘Husted campaign’ in 2017, documents show

The Statehouse News Bureau: Texts from former FirstEnergy execs suggest Lt. Gov. Jon Husted pressed for nuclear bailout

AP: Documents of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and lieutenant governor subpoenaed in lawsuit over bribery scheme

WKYC: Lt. Gov. Jon Husted denies knowing about FirstEnergy bribery scandal despite texts with indicted former CEOs, and more: Ohio Has Issues 07/03/2024

Ohio Capitol Journal: Ohio Lt. Gov. Husted denies knowledge of corruption scheme in wake of FirstEnergy texts– 07/01/2024

CLE News5: FirstEnergy VP Dowling plans to call DeWine and Husted to the stand in corruption trial
 

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Columbus, OH —  In remarks to the Sandusky County Republican Party first reported on by the Fremont-News Messager, Ohio Republican Party Chair Alex Triantafilou said that when it came to issue one, Ohio’s anti-gerrymandering amendment, “confusing Ohioans was not such a bad strategy.”

Republican leadership across the state were desperate not to be forced into fair districts and knew they couldn’t win if voters had the facts. Triantafilou continued: “A lot of people were saying, ‘We’re confused! We’re confused by Issue 1.’ Did you all hear that? Confusion means we don’t know, so we did our job.” 

Triantafilou may have said the quiet part out loud, but he was far from the only official tricking the voters. Unsurprisingly, Ohio’s GOP Chair says everyone was in on it: “When I say we, it was all of us. Not just me, Alex. Not just the state central committee, but the entire family of the Republican Party.”

“The GOP lied to voters to cling to their power and corruption and now Chair Triantafilou is openly bragging about confusing the voters in order to win.” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters. “Jon Husted, Dave Yost, Frank LaRose and every other Republican is at fault for conspiring to trick Ohio voters and then making fun of them. Ohioans deserve leaders who focus on housing, food prices, prescription drug costs – these assholes lie to us and then use their power to line the pockets of special interests.”

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Today, the Ohio Democratic Party kicked off a statewide effort to rally thousands of Democrats to run for local office, especially in races that are often uncontested. This candidate recruitment program is part of a national movement led by Contest Every Race to ensure every Republican faces a challenger, especially in down-ballot races that most impact their communities. 

Despite the disappointing election results, Ohio Democrats are laying the groundwork for success in 2025 and beyond. Finding candidates who reflect their local communities, in every county across Ohio, is crucial to ensuring all voters feel represented —both now and in the future.

The 2025 candidate recruitment program will target recruiting candidates for over 6,000 local offices where typically only one non-Democrat runs, including village and city council members, school board members, and other local offices across the state. The goal is to find and support as many new Democratic candidates as possible to file for office by the February 5th deadline.

“To build a stronger future for Ohioans, especially in our rural communities, we need Democratic candidates who reflect the values of their neighbors—fighting for everyday families and using common sense solutions in office,” said Executive Director of the Ohio Democratic Party, Alexis Nielson. “Local offices are the foundation of our democracy, and the outcomes of those races are felt every day in our communities. By partnering with Contest Every Race, we’re working to recruit more Democrats to step up and run. Ohio Democrats are here to fight for our people and our shared futures.”

“In 2025, we’re doubling down on our commitment to Ohio by launching a bold initiative to recruit and support local candidates in rural and small-town communities,” added Contest Every Race Director Lauren Gepford. “At this critical political moment, it’s clear that there are no ‘off years.’ This program is a testament to our determination to strengthen the party at the local level and prepare for the battles ahead.”

The recruitment program contains multiple components, including text messaging infrastructure, coaching calls, and meetings to organize and mobilize Democrats to run for local office. The program targets areas where the concentration of uncontested Republicans tends to be higher, specifically rural communities and small towns. 

Since its inception in 2018, the Contest Every Race project has recruited over 10,000 Democrats to run for local office across the country. Contest Every Race found that Democrats failed to run in over 50% of all partisan races in 2022, a staggering figure that lays bare the bench and party-building work needed to rebuild Democratic strength in the Trump era. 

To speak with leaders of the Ohio Democratic Party, contact [email protected]. 

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Contest Every Race, a project of Movement Labs, recruits Democrats to run in otherwise uncontested local races and operates a national rural organizing support program to net votes for Democrats in the 2025 election.