Northwest Ohio elects pair of political newcomers to Ohio House of Representatives

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Officials in the state House and Senate ruled the table on election night in northwest Ohio, but two House districts will have new representatives starting next year.

Republican Ty Matthews of Findlay unseated three-term incumbent Rep. John Cross in the March primary. That cleared the way for him to win this week and represent the heavily Republican-leaning 83rd House District. It covers Hancock, Hardin and northern Logan counties.

“It was such a blessing to be in that position and be able to run,” Matthews said. “I am very pleased that voters in both elections elected me and trusted me to represent their interests.”

Matthews serves as a U.S. Army infantry officer and previously worked in the Ohio State Treasurer’s Office. He will turn 30 in January, making him one of Columbus’ youngest legislators.

“I think it’s a new and innovative way of thinking,” he said of the young representation in the Legislature. “It’s a new way of looking at the current set of problems that we have.”

He said his main goals include addressing water quality issues. He also wants to work to attract military and defense investment to northwest Ohio.

Lucas County also has a new face in the state Legislature in Democrat Erica White, a local union leader and community advocate.

She won the election to represent District 41, which covers parts of Toledo, Maumee, Holland and Springfield Township.

“We’re focused on making things better, and making things better means focusing on things that everyone can agree on,” White said.

Although Republicans have a majority in the House, White said she looks forward to working in support of workers, local farmers, UTMC and mental health services.

“There are people who are looking for me to work hard for them,” White said. “I can’t let a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ next to my name stop me from doing what we need to do.”

They will be sworn in in January at the start of their two-year terms.

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