Ohio

Rep. Sandra Williams has served in the State House for the past three years. She represents a part of the City of Cleveland, as well as inner ring suburbs Brooklyn Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, and Newburgh Heights. Prior to her election to the Ohio House, Sandra worked in the criminal justice system as a probation officer and a parole officer. In these positions, she gained a deep appreciation for the state's role in maintaining a just society. She has worked to achieve social justice as a State Representative. With Progressive Majority's assistance, Sandra has crafted a strong campaign plan, developed an effective fundraising strategy, and dramatically improved her ability to deliver a strong stump speech. This is an important race as we work to protect the majority that we won in 2008.

Edna Brown currently represents District 48 in the Ohio House. Rep. Brown is a lifelong resident of Toledo and one of its most trusted leaders. She was involved in the founding of the Greater Toledo Urban League and currently serves as the First Vice President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. Rep. Brown won the May primary over Toledo City Council Member Joe McNamara (56% to 44%) and now faces another Toledo City Council member, Tom Waniewski, in the November general election. Rep. Brown is a courageous progressive and will be an immediate leader in the Ohio Senate.

Nancy Garland's election in 2008 was widely considered one of the great progressive triumphs in Ohio when she won with Progressive Majority's support. Despite her strength, however, Nancy represents a very marginal district near Columbus and her race is one of the GOP's top targets to ''take back.'' Nancy has been a dynamic progressive leader in the legislature and it is vital that we protect this seat. As well, she has won the endorsements of all major unions, choice groups, environmental groups and other partners. Progressive Majority staff continues to advise Nancy on her campaign strategy and targeting, and she is well-placed to continue to lead within the progressive caucus in the Ohio House.

Dan Ramos is a young progressive leader in Ohio. For the past five years, he has worked as the senior policy analyst in the House majority to Speaker Budish, concentrating on healthcare and higher education funding. Dan worked on continuing a tuition freeze at all public colleges and universities, and providing health coverage parity to those suffering from diabetes and autism. As an aide, he has gained invaluable experience serving constituents and pushing for progressive reforms. If elected, Dan would become the first Latino Democrat elected to the Ohio Legislature, and would be one of the youngest to serve. Progressive Majority staff have helped Dan create a strong campaign plan, implement improved fundraising strategies and developed a strong targeting approach. His district is in a swing area where we have an opportunity to elect a more progressive Democrat than had previously served.

Connie Pillich is running in a district that includes the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. Connie is a general practice attorney representing families, small businesses and consumers. Connie has been an outstanding leader in the Ohio House of Representatives and is a committed progressive and a talented and tough campaigner.

Debbie and her committed volunteers knock on thousands of doors every election cycle. She has been a great legislator and she has demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of average Ohioans. She has won critical endorsements from Ohio educators, electrical workers and service workers.

Rep. Jay Goyal was re-elected in 2008 to the Ohio House of Representatives' 73rd District, an area that includes rural/exurban Richland County. Jay is a 29 year old legislator, engineer and vice president of a manufacturing company. He was the first Asian-American to serve in the Ohio General Assembly and has been an outstanding leader in the House.

Jeffrey Mims, Jr. is a candidate for Ohio State School Board, District 3. Jeff is a former teacher and administrator, a member of the Ohio Education Association, and is currently the President of the Dayton School Board. He retired from the Dayton Public Schools with more than 35 years of service. His legislative efforts helped to pave the way for Ohio's School Facilities Program. Jeff is an Executive Board Member for the Council of the Great City Schools, Chairperson for the Urban 21 Ohio School Board Coalition, and will be a great addition to the Ohio State Board of Education.