Photo: Tim Ryan (Left) provided by candidate; J.D. Vance provided by campaign website
Candidates for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat, Tim Ryan (left) and J.D. Vance
Editor's note: This story is featured in the Nov. 2 print edition of CityBeat.
In October, CityBeat sent questions to pairs of candidates in several key local and state elections.
Candidates in each race received the same series of questions, the same instructions for completing and returning their answers, and the same deadlines for publication. CityBeat began with known campaign or employment email addresses and followed up with private social media messages, phone calls and/or texts, depending on what was available.
Responses from the candidates are below and are in their own words (answers may have been lightly condensed for space). Not all candidates replied to CityBeat’s requests.
Republican J.D. Vance is running against Democrat Tim Ryan to fill Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat, which soon will be vacated by Rob Portman. Vance, who was endorsed by former president Donald Trump, was raised 30 miles north of Cincinnati in Middletown. Ryan has served 10 terms in the U.S. House, representing Ohio’s 13th district.
J.D. Vance - jdvance.com
CityBeat reached out to Vance multiple times and did not receive a response by press time.Tim Ryan - timforoh.com
What is the foremost issue affecting Ohio?We must address rising inflation. In the short run, we need a permanent working-class tax cut to put money in the pockets of Ohio families. We also need to end supply chain disruptions and create more good-paying union jobs. I’ll fight like hell to reinvest at home, crack down on companies that ship jobs overseas, reward those creating jobs here and stand firm against unfair trade policies.
What role should parents and communities play in the planning of public school curricula?
As a dad, I want to know what’s happening in my kids’ school. As the husband of a longtime public school teacher, I know it takes all of us, parents, teachers and our communities to support our students in and out of the classroom. What we shouldn’t be doing is pitting parents against teachers when the best way forward is working together to help our kids succeed.
What is the best way to integrate renewable energy into Ohio’s job market?
Cutting workers in on the deal means recognizing that combating climate change and prioritizing renewable energy go hand-in-hand with rebuilding our economy. I’m excited to see Ohio companies and Ohio workers lead the way building solar panels, electric vehicles and the batteries and charging stations that power them, and I’m working to make sure we build on this progress so Ohio workers can dominate in clean manufacturing.
What do you believe is the state’s role in individual healthcare decisions and access?
The last thing Ohioans need is the government interfering in private healthcare decisions. Whether we’re talking about reproductive freedom or healthcare access, I’ve fought for Ohioans to make the choices that are best for them and their families. I’m an original co-sponsor of legislation to protect women’s reproductive freedom and am also working to expand Medicare and create a public healthcare option for those who want it.
What is the first item on your to-do list if you were to take office?
Rising costs of everyday necessities like groceries and gas are hitting working Ohioans hard. We need an immediate middle-class tax cut to put more money in people’s pockets while Congress addresses the long-term issues by reshoring manufacturing and reinvesting in our communities. Working-class Ohioans should not bear the brunt of inflation. As a senator, I’ll make sure they receive a meaningful tax cut while the wealthiest pay their fair share.
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