Three Democrats Vie to Unseat Balderson in Ohio's 12th District

Candidates focus on economic fairness, corporate influence, and presidential power

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:21pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting in overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes of earthy browns, oranges, and blues, conveying a sense of motion and dynamism without depicting any specific political figures or symbols.The 12th District congressional race reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party as a new generation of progressive challengers seeks to reshape the political landscape.Athens Today

Three Democrats are running in the May 5 primary in hopes of ousting Republican Troy Balderson in Ohio's 12th Congressional seat in the November general election. The candidates, Jerrad Christian, Daniel Crawford, and Jason Reynard, are running on platforms of addressing the high cost of living, reining in corporate power, and limiting the president's authority.

Why it matters

Ohio's 12th Congressional District covers a large swath of central and eastern Ohio, including both urban and rural areas. The race is seen as a key battleground, with Balderson having held the seat since 2018. The Democratic candidates hope to tap into voter frustration over inflation, corporate influence in politics, and concerns about executive overreach.

The details

The three Democratic candidates come from diverse backgrounds. Jerrad Christian is a software engineer and military veteran, Daniel Crawford is a local Democratic party official, and Jason Reynard is a bartender with a degree in comparative politics. They are running on platforms focused on economic fairness, reining in corporate power, and reasserting congressional authority over the president.

  • The Ohio primary election is on May 5, 2026.
  • Early voting begins on April 25 and runs through May 3.

The players

Jerrad Christian

A 42-year-old software engineer and military veteran who is making his first run for political office.

Daniel Crawford

A 40-year-old who currently serves on the Licking County Democratic Party's Executive and Central Committees, with a background in political science and government.

Jason Reynard

A 39-year-old bartender with a degree in comparative politics, making his first foray into electoral politics.

Troy Balderson

The incumbent Republican who has held the 12th District seat since 2018.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not the wealthiest candidate. I'm not backed by corporate donors. And I'm not here to play politics. I'm running because I've lived the consequences of the decisions people in power make, right next to everyone else.”

— Jerrad Christian, Candidate

“My devotion to the principles of liberty and democracy are at the core of my campaign. I think this boils down to justice, and the need to ensure that all of us are equal in the eyes of the law.”

— Daniel Crawford, Candidate

“I'd sponsor a bill that makes it illegal for companies like Blackstone to buy homes and treat them like the stock market. In a perfect world, CEOs of companies like Blackstone, Nestle or Palantir, that think homes and water are commodities for billions in profit should rot in prison.”

— Jason Reynard, Candidate

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary on May 5 will face off against incumbent Republican Troy Balderson in the November general election.

The takeaway

This race in Ohio's 12th District highlights the broader battle for the Democratic Party's future, as a new generation of progressive challengers seeks to unseat establishment-backed incumbents by tapping into voter frustration over economic issues and the perceived overreach of executive power.