Trending
Ashtabula County Auditor David Thomas has been elected the new representative to the 65th Ohio House District.
The seat is now held by Michael Loychik, R-Bazetta, who unsuccessfully ran for the 32nd Senate District seat against incumbent Sandra O'Brien.
Unofficial results in Tuesday's primary had Thomas receiving 72% and Laurie Magyar 28% in a combined from both Trumbull and Ashtabula counties.
In Trumbull County, unofficial results had Magyar receiving 31% to Thomas with 69%. In Ashtabula County, incomplete and unofficial results had Thomas receiving 70% and Magyar 30%.
Thomas, who was elected auditor in 2018 and previously served as Austinburg Township's fiscal officer, said he feels his message for the taxpayers resonated with the voters.
"I appreciate all the support from both counties, I am very humbled by the support from Trumbull County and also my home county Ashtabula," he said.
He said because there is no Democrat or independent running against him in the general election, he will begin working on relationships with the voters as he prepares to take office in 2025.
"I can start the ball rolling now and getting to know the taxpayers more in both counties," Thomas said.
Thomas 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.
"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 the property tax system "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,"
Magyar, who is a political newcomer and lifelong resident of Ashtabula County, previously had said, "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 could not be reached for comment.