Just Six Seats

Ohio’s governor and U.S. Senate and races are dominating TV and social media right now, but I’m about to say something controversial:

The most important elections are further down your ballot.

This November, Ohio Democrats have a chance to break the Republican Statehouse supermajority that has been devastating our state for 15+ years.

One of most common sentiments I hear from Ohioans is, “what happened to Ohio? This isn’t the state I grew up in.”

The answer is the Republican supermajority.

Republicans have ruled our state legislature with zero checks on their power for years. They have grown more extreme over time. They have passed laws and policies no one asked for — and changed voting laws and district lines to make sure they stay in office.

By flipping just six Ohio House seats, Democrats can break that supermajority this year.

We can create an Ohio where a governor’s common sense vetoes cannot be overridden by a hoard of extremists drunk on power.

We can return checks and balances to our state government.

Still not convinced that these are the most important races on your ballot? Think about it from a national perspective instead.

In America, states control elections. The federal government does not.

States also draw the district lines that decide who represents us in Congress.

And states go to court to block illegal demands from the federal government (such as "give me your unredacted voter file…").

We have even entered a world where MAGA politicians are trying to convene a Convention of States to change the U.S. Constitution. If they’re ever successful (which is looking increasingly likely), they’ll have to send their proposed changes to the states to be ratified.

It will literally be state governments that keep our nation’s Constitution intact — or not. States are the last line of defense against a rogue federal government.

So what can you do? These 5 key actions could make all the difference:

1. Commit to voting all the way down your ballot. DO NOT SKIP the state and local races.

2. Register to vote or update your voter registration:

   • Ohio: VoteOhio.gov

   • All states: Vote.gov

3. Find your State Senator and State Rep by typing your address below these maps. Take a little time to research them.

   1. Are they up for re-election this year? Do they deserve your support? Is someone better running for that seat?

4. Spread the word. Tell everyone you know about these critically important state legislative races (and repeat the message often).

   1. Here’s an article you can share

5. Remind friends and family to vote the ENTIRE ballot. The people in your life know and trust you. Your reminder could be what makes up their mind.

Ohio’s governor and U.S. Senate races are vital. But they won’t be the first ones I’m checking on Election Night this November.