The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (OCCPAC) has announced its first round of General Assembly endorsements for the November 3 General Election. A total of 34 candidates are receiving the endorsement.

“This has been a particularly tumultuous year for Ohio businesses,” said Anthony Lagunzad, director of political & grassroots programs at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. “The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined both businesses and our economic health. To help overcome these challenges and support our economic recovery, we need lawmakers who understand how business works and have demonstrated their willingness to work with the business community on legislation.”

OCCPAC seeks out and supports General Assembly candidates who are committed to free enterprise and making Ohio’s business climate the most competitive in the country. These endorsed candidates have a consistent, proven track record of supporting Ohio’s business community, especially during this current General Assembly.

OCCPAC utilizes a member-driven approach to endorsing candidates for elected office in Ohio, which entails a robust process that analyzes policy positions as well as highlights expertise on various issues. For incumbents, the Ohio Chamber’s Free Enterprise Index score is used as the leading indicator of a candidate’s proven commitment to improving Ohio’s business climate. Additional factors applying to both incumbent and non-incumbent candidates include a candidate survey, personal meetings with candidates, input from member businesses and input from in-district stakeholders.

Of the 34 endorsed candidates, 28 are current members of the Ohio legislature. The remaining six endorsed candidates are running for open Ohio House and Senate seats. Each of the endorsed candidates actively sought the OCCPAC endorsement.