Considering a Run for State House
Hello everyone, using my burner because I'm just looking to get peoples opinions on this sub. I'm considering a run for Ohio House in the 2026 cycle, my current district has an incumbent republican who is running unopposed this year. It's too late to enter the race now and frankly I'm not ready this time around. However, I know the incumbent republican being unopposed is a lot of districts in our state, sadly.
With the citizen redistricting amendment most likely making the ballot this year, I'm thinking this next cycle is the best time to run if I do, especially if the maps get redrawn and we get fairer districts. I would run as a Democrat, most of my views revolve around being pro-working class; so supporting unions, entitlement programs, and expanding on other things like universal community college. I tend to lean more progressive on national issues, which I know would be a long shot in the Ohio Legislature, but my entire reason for wanting to run is to help working people, and get rid of corrupt GOP members who were involved in scandals like First Energy and Larry Householder.
Overall, I'm just looking for opinions on if running is worth it or not so I can get an outside perspective. Thank you!
EDIT: Clarification, I have been in contact with my county party as well as the state party. They were very happy to hear from someone interested. Also, I'd like to quickly give some of what my platform would be bullet-point style:
Community College and Trade School, and bring Trades back to high school education.
Protect the right to organize
Treat addiction as a medical issue, while continuing criminalizing sale/manufacturing of hard drugs
Empower farmers and small businesses to end food deserts
Make Election Day a state Holliday with paid time off
Raise wages for teachers, first responders, and the state min wage to $15/hour
Abolish sales tax for feminine products and contraceptives
Support common sense gun laws like red flags for people convicted of domestic charges or mental illness history, and require age 21 for gun purchasing