Three Democrats Vie for Ohio House District 7 Seat

Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, Michaela Burriss, and Zach Rossfeld face off in May 5 primary

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting depicting three overlapping, fractured figures at a podium, representing the three Democratic candidates in the Ohio House District 7 primary election.The heated primary race for Ohio's House District 7seat features three Democrats vying to represent the Columbus area.Columbus Today

Three Democrats are running to replace Rep. Allison Russo in the Ohio House of Representatives for District 7, which includes Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, and parts of Columbus. The candidates are Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, Michaela Burriss, and Zach Rossfeld. The winner of the May 5 primary will advance to the November general election to face the sole Republican candidate, William Mercier.

Why it matters

House District 7 is drawn to heavily favor Democrats, so the winner of the primary is likely to become the next state representative for the district. The candidates' positions on key issues like property taxes, housing, and data centers will have a significant impact on the community.

The details

Ukeme Awakessien Jeter is the current mayor and council president of Upper Arlington, with a background as an attorney and engineer. Michaela Burriss is a city councilwoman in Upper Arlington and policy director for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center. Zach Rossfeld is a palliative care physician who has served on a Department of Health advisory council.

  • The Ohio primary election is on May 5, 2026, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Early voting is available at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

The players

Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

Twice-elected mayor and council president of Upper Arlington, currently serving on Upper Arlington City Council since 2021. Jeter is an attorney and engineer, and also serves as Assistant Dean for Global Perspectives at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

Michaela Burriss

Currently serving as a city councilwoman in Upper Arlington and as the policy director for the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, a nonprofit law firm focused on equal justice and fair treatment.

Zach Rossfeld

A palliative care physician at Ohio State, who previously served as an assistant medical director for Ohio Medicaid and was appointed to a Department of Health advisory council.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am the best candidate in this race because I bring both proven leadership and the broadest real-life experience needed to address what matters most to the people of District 7.”

— Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, Candidate

“I fundamentally believe that every person deserves a roof over their head and that the government has a responsibility to ensure that happens.”

— Michaela Burriss, Candidate

“As your doctor-legislator, I will fight on all these fronts to offer Ohioans some overdue relief.”

— Zach Rossfeld, Candidate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This primary election will determine the likely next state representative for Ohio House District 7, a key seat that could impact important issues like property taxes, housing, and data center regulation in the Columbus area.