Second Dem joins '18 race for Ohio governor

In what could eventually bloom into a crowded race, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton is the second Democrat to announce she’s running for Ohio governor in 2018.

“People deserve a governor who will work hard and stand up for them,” Sutton told this newspaper. She said if elected, she’ll focus on the needs of families — not tax breaks for the most privileged Ohioans. Sutton criticized the tax break strategy employed by Republican Gov. John Kasich, saying it has resulted in lackluster job growth.

Sutton has served on the Barberton City Council, Summit County Council, Ohio House and Congress. She lost her re-election bid in 2012 to Republican Jim Renacci and was named director of the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. in 2013 in the Obama administration.

Sutton, who considered challenging Kasich for governor in the 2014 race, has never run statewide.

Last month, Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni, D-Boardman, announced he is running for governor. Schiavoni was the first in the race but other Democrats are said to be considering a run, including Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.

On the Republican side of the ledger, it is expected that Renacci, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Jon Husted will each run for governor.

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About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.