The 2024 election season has been marked by controversy and marred by ever-fluctuating polls. Here in Ohio, there are several important races, including a citizen ballot measure, Issue 1, that would end gerrymandering in the state.
Two Jewish candidates are running for reelection right here in Cincinnati. Congressman Greg Landsman (D) is seeking a second term in the House of Representatives, and State Rep Dani Isaacsohn (D) is seeking a second term in the Ohio State House. Karen Brownlee is running for a seat in the Ohio State House, and one Jewish candidate, Stacy Lefton (R), is running for Judge in the Ohio First District Court of Appeals.
Check with Cincy Jewfolk for updates on these three races. Overall results for Ohio can be found at the Ohio Secretary of State’s election dashboard, though results likely won’t be final for several days. You can also see early voting data here.
Ohio 1st District Race U.S. Congress
Greg Landsman won the re-election campaign against Orlando Sonsa.
“We made a little history tonight: [I’m the] first Democrat in 40 years to win re-election in the first congressional district,” said Landsman.
“Let me thank my opponent for running a good campaign,” said Landsman. “And more importantly, I want to thank all of you. Thank you to my wife, Sarah, and our two incredible children.”
Greg Landsman and Sarah Landsman
The congressman thanked his gathered supporters, staff, and campaign manager Jenna Kaufman at his victory party.
“We need leaders that we can count on, that are honest, that are trustworthy, that care deeply about each and every one of us, and I can assure you, I love each and every one of you, whether you supported us or not,” said Landsman. “We work for you, and we are forever, forever grateful. God bless you all, and thank you for everything.”
District 24 Ohio State House
Dani Isaacsohn has won his re-election campaign for the Ohio state House against former police officer John Sess (R).
Sess was a member of the Cincinnati PD for 31 years. In 1999, a court of appeals case documented that a Cincinnati police officer named John Sess once admitted to planting drugs on a suspect in the 1980s; however, the admissions were thrown out by the courts.
District 28 Ohio State House
Karen Brownlee (D) has won her election campaign against Jenn Giroux (R).
Ohio First District Court of Appeals
Stacy Lefton (R) has lost her election bid against incumbent Judge Marilyn Zayas (D).
Issue 1
Issue 1 has failed. The ballot measure aimed to limit gerrymandering in the state by appointing a bipartisan citizen board to redraw Ohio districts.
