Second Democrat joins 2018 race for Ohio governor

Betty Sutton

Betty Sutton

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.

RELATED: Democrat Joe Schiavoni running for governor

RELATED: Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor signals she’s running for governor

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.

RELATED: Mike DeWine confirms his running for governor, but not officially

RELATED: Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley considering run for governor

RELATED: Jon Husted to make decision soon

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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