YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Ohio Senate Majority Leader Joe Schiavoni announced Wednesday that he would run for governor.
Schiavoni, 38, of Boardman has represented the Senate District 33 since 2009 and has served as minority leader since 2014. In a statement, Schiavoni says he's running to bring a new generation of leadership to the Buckeye State.
"Our next governor must be someone who can speak to voters in all parts of the state - urban, suburban and rural. Someone who will fight for all Ohioans, no matter where they live and no matter who they voted for in the past. Someone who can talk to people who don't regularly vote and inspire them to get involved and help bring about real change. Someone who tells it like it is and won't make promises they can't keep," Schiavone says.
He is the first Democrat to declare his candidacy. Congressman Tim Ryan said earlier this week that he would not run for governor. Former Congresswoman Betty Sutton says she will decide whether or not to throw her hat into the ring next week.