Gonzalez would run to replace current gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci, who is considered the favorite of Trump supporters in Ohio and D.C. Trump won the district by 17 points in November. Renacci won four terms in the district, including a 30-point win in 2016.
Gonzalez could face a crowded field for the seat. Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor could possibly run for the seat if shes unable to make her way through the crowded governor’s race. Local state rep Christina Hagan and former state senator Tom Patton are also likely contenders.
Democrats would face an uphill battle in the Republican-heavy district, but could make a run behind former Parma Mayor Dean DePiero, according to Cleveland.com.
Gonzalez has no political experience.
A part of one of the most talented receiver corps in Ohio State history, Gonzalez played alongside future NFL talent Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn Jr., and Roy Hall. He was a favorite target of Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, who was quarterback.
The St. Ignatius High School grad was drafted in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts as a slot receiver in 2007. His first two seasons in the league were successful. He caught 37 passes for 576 yards and three touchdowns in 2007, and 57 passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns.
He earned a starting spot in 2009, but injured his knee in the season opener and missed the entire season. Another knee injury ended his run with the Colts. He was signed shortly by the New England Patriots in the spring of 2012, but was released.
After his NFL career, he received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and became Chief Operating Officer of Chalk Schools, a technology company that helps K-12 schools move its paper and form process online.
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