In episode 191, we sit down with three candidates running for Ohio Statehouse seats in the Akron-Canton area - Noah Spinner (HD-31), Krista Allison (HD-49), and Nick Morris (HD-48). We talk about what’s driving them to run and where they stand on the issues shaping Northeast Ohio.

Noah Spinner is running for Ohio House District 31, which includes a large part of Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Norton, Bath, and Richfield. He is a lifelong Summit County resident, attorney, and someone who has lived the challenges facing our communities. Following the passing of his wife, Shelby, in April 2025 from cancer, Noah has sought ways to become even more engaged with his community and serve others, just as Shelby did. Noah is running for the Ohio House District to promote access to healthcare, restore funding for public education, and bring back affordability for working families.

Resources:

* Noah Spinner’s Campaign Website

* Social Media:

* Instagram

* Facebook

* YouTube

Raised in Stark County, Krista L. Allison is a change agent, collaborator, and servant leader. For over 20 years, Krista has held leadership roles at the state, county, and local levels in family & community engagement, academic & non-academic supports, and DEI&B. Krista currently serves at the Stark County Educational Service Center, State Support Team Region 9, and the Stark Education Partnership.

Krista serves in various capacities in Stark County, including volunteering at food bank ministries, leading in her church and women’s organizations, serving on multiple boards and vesting in community-wide conversations on equity. Her energy, leadership, work ethic, and authenticity have been recognized by numerous organizations. She has a passion for people and believes that implementing fair and equitable systems is the best way to ensure opportunities for everyone. Krista is on the November ballot as the Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives District 49.

Resources:

* Krista Allison’s Campaign Website

* Social Media:

* Instagram

* Facebook

Nick Morris, PhD, is the Director of Community Learning and Leadership at Walsh University where he teaches students how to unpack social issues and find purpose in working for the common good. He is running for Ohio House District 48, which includes North Canton, Louisville, Alliance, and Hartville.

He has spent the last two decades as an educator and collaborative community leader working to address issues such as food insecurity, housing crises, and access to education. He lives in Louisville with his wife, two children, two dogs, and a collection of farm animals.

Resources:

* Nick Morris’ Campaign Website

* Social Media:

* Instagram

* Facebook

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* TikTok

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* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

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In episode 190, we talk with Ethan Nichols, founder of the PAC Future Without Fear, about flipping Ohio Statehouse races and rewriting the narrative on gun violence.

Ethan has built his career around advancing progressive causes in Ohio. He was propelled into activism after the 2018 Parkland, Florida shooting, when he founded Students for Gun Legislation, a student-led organizing and advocacy nonprofit.

Under his leadership, Students for Gun Legislation mobilized young people across the state to advocate for common-sense gun reform, register voters, and ensure young voices were heard in the political process. In 2022, he was invited to the White House for the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Since then, Ethan has built a career working on Democratic campaigns at every level of government. In 2024, he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was among the first Ohio delegates to pledge his support to Vice President Kamala Harris. He most recently founded Future Without Fear, a political action committee dedicated to electing gun-sense champions to the Ohio legislature.

Resources:

* Future Without Fear PAC Website

* Social Media:

* Instagram

* Threads

* X/Twitter

* Flippable/Focus Seats in Ohio Legislature!

* Statehouse:

* District 17 - Megan Coy

* District 31 - Noah Spinner

* District 35 - Samantha Salamon

* District 36 - Rose Lounsbury

* District 49 - Krista Allison

* District 52 - Mike Baker

* Senate:

* District 7 - Cara Jacob

* District 13 - Joe Miller

* Dems need to flip 6 seats to break the GOP Statehouse supermajority, and Northeast Ohio is pivotal - Ohio Capital Journal

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

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Episode 189 is a bonus episode! 🎉 We are joined by Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio to dig into a term that gets thrown around constantly in political discourse: “establishment Democrat.” We asked our audience what they think it means (thanks to those who submitted their thoughts via Instagram!), then brought that feedback straight to a sitting state rep to see how it lands.

Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio is serving her first full term in the Ohio House of Representatives for the 4th District, where she serves as Minority Whip and sits on several House committees, including Education, Finance, and Judiciary.

A graduate of Ohio Dominican University and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Rep. Brown Piccolantonio spent over twenty years as an attorney for the state of Ohio, focusing on labor relations and workers’ rights.

In 2016, she joined the Gahanna-Jefferson School Board, serving as President throughout her tenure. A lifelong Ohioan, she lives in Gahanna with her husband and three sons.

Resources:

* Beryl for Ohio

* Follow Rep. Beryl on Social Media:

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Facebook

* X/Twitter

* Ohio Senate Bill 63 (Ranked Choice Voting Ban)

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

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* Instagram

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* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

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In episode 188, we talk with Seth Walsh, Cincinnati City Councilmember and Democratic nominee for Ohio Treasurer, about what the office actually does and why his campaign for transparency and accountability matters.

Seth is a recognized community development leader who has prioritized keeping Cincinnati growing, vibrant, and safe. As Treasurer of State, Seth will ensure the state’s investments, pension funds, and revenue are managed with integrity and are used to strengthen our communities so all Ohioans thrive.

Seth served as Executive Director of the College Hill Urban Redevelopment Corporation before he was appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December 2022. Seth is a member of the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees.

Seth graduated from Xavier University and later founded the Cincy Soccer League. He lives in the Cincinnati Business District with his two dogs, Calvin and Rosie.

Resources:

* Seth Walsh for State Treasurer

* The Dark Money Game (HBO documentary on HB6 featuring Seth’s opponent)

* Follow Seth on Social Media!

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Facebook

* X/Twitter

* YouTube

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram

In episode 187, we sit down with two incredible women running for the Ohio Statehouse in Central Ohio - Shelby Kimball (House District 60) and Whittney Wood (House District 73).

Shelby Kimball is a Marine Corps & Army National Guard member veteran, mom of four, and community advocate. She is running for Ohio House District 60 which includes Powell, Orange and Liberty township, and portions of Dublin, Westerville, and Delaware. She believes every child deserves access to a high-quality public education regardless of their zip code; she will fight to protect and expand access to affordable healthcare; and she will stand up for our military veterans and their families to make sure they get the benefits and services they deserve.

Whittney Wood is running for Ohio House District 73, which includes parts of Lancaster and Pleasantville, Pickerington, Baltimore, and MIllersport area. She is a mom who has always worked hard to provide for her family. She has always spoken out and stood up for anyone who was being treated unfairly or just having a hard time standing on their own two feet. She figured running for office she could help way more people at the same time. She believes ICE should be disbanded, Trump is a lunatic, and ALL humans are her people, not just the rich white men. She says her policies will be written for all Ohioans, not just the predatory class or ultra wealthy.

Resources:

* Shelby Kimball for Ohio

* Shelby’s Social Media:

* Instagram

* Facebook

* Whittney Wood for Ohio

* Whittney’s Social Media:

* Instagram

* Facebook

* TikTok

* Bluesky

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram

In episode 186, Rep. Anita Somani joins us to break down looming changes to Ohio’s Medicaid program, her push for a state reinsurance program, and what voters need to know about SJR10 before heading to the polls this November. We also dig into the House Democratic Caucus’s affordability agenda called “An Ohio You Can Afford”.

Dr. Anita Somani is currently serving her second term as State Representative for Ohio’s 8th House District, which includes the cities of Dublin and Worthington. For the last three decades, Dr. Somani has worked in Columbus as a highly respected healthcare professional, currently as an OBGYN at OhioHealth. Dr. Somani is a past board member of the Columbus Medical Association and Planned Parenthood. She is currently a Board Member of LEAD Ohio.

Dr. Somani ran for office because she believes the state of Ohio has gone down the wrong path regarding prominent issues such as health care, increasing abortion restrictions and the loosening of gun laws, all of which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. As a physician and legislator, she has used her medical background to improve the public health of our state and to create evidence-based legislation that helps everyone in our community. She currently serves on the House Medicaid Committee and serves as Ranking Member on the House Health committee.

Dr. Somani lives in Columbus with her husband where they raised their son, an engineer and their daughter, an OB/GYN.

Resources:

* Rep. Anita Somani - Ohio House District 8

* Ohio House Democrats Unveil “An Ohio You Can Afford” Legislative Package

* Social Media:

* Instagram

* Facebook

* Bluesky

* X/Twitter

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram

In episode 185, we sit down with Judge Myron Duhart to break down what an appellate court actually does and why those down-ballot judicial races deserve more than a passing glance.

Judge Duhart is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He is the proud father of three and has been married to wife Nicole for 29 years. Myron grew up in the central city. He graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School and after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was later commissioned as a lieutenant in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG).

While serving his country he earned a B.A. in Political Science from Wright State University Dayton, Ohio and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. Judge Duhart received a L.L.M. in judicial studies from Duke University School of Law and he attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Also Judge Duhart has been a long time adjunct lecturer in law at the University of Toledo College of Law where he teaches trial practice.

Throughout his legal career, he litigated a number of high profile criminal cases all over northwest Ohio and was one of a select cadre of attorneys certified by the State of Ohio to handle death penalty cases. He has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.

In January 2011, Judge Duhart was appointed by former Governor Ted Strickland as one of ten (10) judges who serve on the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas bench. In addition to hearing serious felony criminal cases and large civil cases, Judge Duhart has served as a commercial docket judge hearing cases dealing with business-related disputes. In 2020, Judge Duhart was elected to the Court of Appeals where he served as Presiding judge.

As an Army veteran, Judge Duhart served this country with distinction. As an attorney he worked tirelessly to protect the rights afforded to citizens both rich and poor. As a volunteer, he has unselfishly devoted his time and talent to a wide variety of causes. As a judge on the 6th District Court of Appeals he will continue to act with fairness and integrity.

Resources:

* Re-elect Judge Myron Duhart

* Social Media:

* Facebook

* Instagram

* Article about the Capital Care Network/Reproductive Rights case Judge Duhart worked on in 2016

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

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In episode 184, we sit down with Jesse Baker, a progressive challenger who ran a scrappy, grassroots campaign for Ohio State Senate with no establishment support and nearly pulled off an upset - earning 44% of the vote and over 12,000 Ohioans behind him.

Jesse is an Ohio native from Findlay and a graduate of The Ohio State University, now living in Columbus’s Hilltop neighborhood with his wife Emily and their two cats. Rather than a career in politics, Jesse spent his professional life in business and technology - solving problems and helping organizations operate more effectively.

Raised by a single father, Jesse has personally navigated food stamps, years without health insurance, and student loan debt. He didn’t just observe these systems — he lived them. That experience drives his belief that the Statehouse has grown disconnected from working Ohioans, and that the Democratic Party has prioritized its own power over boldly fighting for people.

Jesse’s campaign is centered on fighting for working families, protecting individual rights, and building a more affordable Ohio - led by transparent, courageous leaders willing to put real solutions ahead of partisan games and monied interests.

Resources:

* Baker for Progress Campaign Website

* Instagram

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram

In episode 183, we sit down with Sarah Jakle of DemocraShe to explore how brain science is unlocking a new generation of bold, civically engaged women leaders.

Sarah Jakle is the Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe, a nonpartisan national nonprofit empowering underserved high school girls to become future leaders, voters, and elected officials. Her approach uniquely integrates brain science into civic leadership training, helping young women overcome barriers, build courage and ambition, and claim their place in public life.

Previously, Sarah served as Get Out The Vote Director for California NOW and National Outreach Director for Field Team 6. Her passion for women in politics began as an intern at the Women’s Council of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Sarah has a Bachelors from Yale, a Masters in Social Work from USC and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA. She was a 2025 Movement Builder Fellow with How Women Lead and was a Fellow with Obama’s Organizing For Action.

Resources:

* DemocraShe

* DemocraShe Application

* Sarah’s LinkedIn

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram

In episode 182, we talk with Andrew Grossman of Battleground Alliance about why Democrats can’t afford to wait for a wave election and how a $50 million, labor-backed organizing operation across 37 Republican-held House districts is building the infrastructure to win back the House majority in 2026.

Andrew is a nationally recognized campaign innovator and leader specializing in strategy, campaign management, and executive recruitment for campaigns, non-profits, advocacy groups and unions.

Since starting Grossman Solutions in 2007, he helped pass the Affordable Care Act, served as Director of the Democratic National Convention Platform Committee four times, and created a distinctive talent recruitment practice, placing hundreds of leaders at organizations including America Vote, Planned Parenthood and several Democratic party committees. His earlier roles include executive and political director at the DSCC (1999–2004), founder and president of Wal‑Mart Watch (2005–2007), and field organizer for Jesse Jackson’s 1988 campaign.

Resources:

* Battleground Alliance

* Red, Wine, and Blue - Ohio

* Ohio Organizing Collaborative

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

Connect with United SHE Stands:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

* YouTube

* Threads

* Buy us a coffee ☕️

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram