It has been nearly two weeks since Speaker John Boehner (R-West Chester) abruptly announced his resignation from U.S Congress, effective October 30th. A special election has yet to be called by Governor Kasich. It is not likely to be announced until Speaker Boehner officially departs Washington. Back in the district, potential candidates for the seat are jockeying for position. Below is an up to date list of who is in, who is out, and speculative candidates that have yet to make an announcement.
WHO IS IN
State Senator Bill Beagle-(R-Tipp City)-Senator Beagle is fresh on the minds of voters following his victory in one of the most competitive races of the 2014 Election Cycle. He currently represents Miami, Preble, and Darke counties in the Ohio Senate, serving since 2010. Solid name recognition and a track record of success in Columbus makes Senator Beagle a competitive candidate. Senator Beagle announced his candidacy on September 29th and was the first elected official to enter the race.
Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds (R-Liberty Township)-Mr. Reynolds filed the paperwork to create a fundraising committee on 9/30. Mr. Reynolds is set to make an official campaign kickoff announcement sometime later today.
J.D. Winteregg (R-Troy)– A primary opponent of Speaker Boehner, in 2014 has already announced his intent to seek the seat. Mr. Winteregg, the runner-up in 2014, took 22.7% percent of the vote in the primary. His 2014 campaign received national media attention for a raunchy campaign ad that ultimately costed him his job as an adjunct professor at Cedarville University.
Eric Gurr (R-Middletown)-Mr. Gurr announced his candidacy on 10/5. Mr. Gurr most also ran against Speaker Boehner in the 2014 primary, finishing in third place with 5.8 % of the vote.
Scott George-Mr. George is an area business man who has self-imposed term limits on his service to congress. If elected, Mr. George states that he will serve two terms and possibly a third if the people of the district would like for him to stay. His campaign Facebook page page also states that he is running for state representative, which makes you question Mr. George’s credibility as a serious candidate.
WHO IS OUT
State Senator Bill Coley (R-Liberty Twp.)–Ruled out a bid for the seat on 9/30. Senator Coley stated “we have too much good stuff going on in the Ohio Senate”.
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones– Ruled out a bid for the seat on 10/2. Sheriff Jones believes that at this time, his best way to serve is to remain at the county level.
State Representative Wes Retherford (R-Hamilton)–Ruled out a bid for the seat on 10/6. Representative Retherford stated he will seek re-election to the Ohio House.
Ohio Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina)– Ruled out a bid for the seat on 10/7. President Faber is widely been expected to pursue a statewide office in 2018.
WHO IS UNDECIDED
State Representative Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.)-Term limited from the Ohio House in 2016; Rep. Derickson told reporters that he is seriously considering a run for the seat.
State Senator Chris Widener (R-Springfield)-Term limited from the Senate in 2016, many have speculated what Senator Widener’s next move will be. Congress would certainly be a viable option.
Former State Representative Ross McGregor (R-Springfield)-Always a top target for House Democrats while serving in the Ohio House, Ross McGregor is no stranger to difficult campaigns and could be formidable should he chose to run.
Former Congressman Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek)– Former Congressman Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek)-Congressman Steve Austria is a familiar name in the region who has never lost an election during his time as an elected official. Although he does not live directly in the district, he would make a formidable candidate and has represented portions of the district while in congress and the state legislature. He holds a head start in fundraising with a six-figure congressional campaign account that carries over from his previous campaigns.
George Lang, Township Trustee (R-West Chester)– Mr. Lang, a longtime friend of Speaker Boehner, told the Dayton Daily News that he would consider the seat.
Gary Cates, Senior Vice Chancellor, Ohio Board of Regents (R-West Chester)– A Senior Vice Chancellor at the Ohio Board of Regents and former State Senator, Gary Cates, is a a potential challenger for the seat. He has strong name identification having served the people of Butler County in the legislature from 1995-2011.