Allison Russo Endorsed in Democratic Primary for Ohio Secretary of State

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The editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer has endorsed state Rep. Allison Russo in the Democratic primary for Ohio Secretary of State. Russo, a four-term state legislator and policy research director, is running against physician Bryan Hambley in the May 5 primary. The winner will face the Republican nominee, likely the outgoing Secretary of State Frank LaRose, in the November general election.

Why it matters

The race for Ohio Secretary of State is seen as a key battleground, with Democrats hoping to capture the office from Republicans and reform policies around redistricting, ballot access, and drop boxes that have been criticized as partisan. The endorsement of Russo by the state's largest news organization gives her a boost heading into the primary.

The details

Russo, 49, of Columbus, has served four terms in the state legislature, including three and a half years as House Minority Leader. Hambley, 41, of Loveland, is a physician who has worked to address gerrymandering and lack of fair representation in the state. Both candidates support an independent redistricting process, but the editorial board believes Russo's campaign skills, policy expertise, and Statehouse experience give her the best chance to win in November.

• Early voting has begun for the May 5 Democratic primary.
• The winner of the Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee in the November 3 general election.

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary on May 5 will face the Republican nominee, likely Frank LaRose, in the November 3 general election.