Two Republican candidates are seeking to fill the 65th Ohio House District in a contested race to succeed State Rep. Mike Loychik.

Laurie Magyar and David Thomas are each hoping to replace Loychik, R-Bazetta, who is leaving the 65th House District and seeking the 32nd State Senate seat. He is running in the March 19 primary against incumbent Sandra O’Brien, R-Lenox.

Magyar is a political newcomer and lifelong resident of Ashtabula County.

In a statement following her filing for the seat, Magyar said she is a mother and grandmother and has worked as a nurse for more than 30 years.

Thomas is Ashtabula’s current county auditor. He was elected auditor in 2018. Thomas previously served as Austinburg Township’s fiscal officer.

Whoever wins the March 19 primary is unopposed in the November general election.

In announcing her candidacy in late 2023 for the 65th district, Magyar stated in a release “Now more than ever we need conservative representation in the state legislature. Growing up on a farm that’s been in the region for over 100 years, I learned the values of hard work and service to our community,” Magyar said.

“As a nurse, I continued to serve others in health care and grow a family. It’s time to send a farm-tough conservative to Columbus to fight for an America First, Ohio First agenda,” Magyar stated in the release.

She said she can make a difference and represent the working class and looks forward to the challenge of making decisions that she will stand by and that are best for the people.

Magyar did not return a questionnaire and could not be reached for further comment.

DAVID THOMAS

Thomas, who also did not return a candidate questionnaire, said he will focus on being accessible to constituents.

“I put my personal cellphone on all of my literature and website and will continue to be accessible to taxpayers. This will include town halls, meet and greets, and being visible in the community at events,” he said.

Thomas said this is how he leads as county auditor for Ashtabula County.

“Accessibility is key to building trust,” he said, noting accessibility is something that is lacking in the current 65th District.

Thomas said he will focus on property tax reform, noting as county auditor he lives the property tax system which he said “has become increasingly unfair, especially to seniors and farmers.”

“I believe in recognizing we must protect the most vulnerable more — seniors, disabled residents and farmers — while also educating Columbus on the needs of essential services at the local level,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he will work at keeping conservative values in Columbus.

“Ohio is a conservative state, we believe in property rights, the 2nd amendment, limited government, legal immigration, and economic freedom. I never promise what votes or bills I will author and do, but I will promise these values will be at the forefront of my thinking,”

Thomas said.

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