67th Ohio House District: Republican Melanie Miller defeats Democrat Drew Burge

Melanie Miller will be the representative for the newly drawn 67th Ohio House District.

Unofficial results from Tuesday's general election show Miller, a Republican, defeating Drew Burge, a Democrat.

In Ashland County, Miller earned 14,357 votes (78.83%), while Burge garnered 3,856 votes (21.17%), according to final results tallied by the county's Board of Elections. The results won't become official until the election is certified.

Results from Medina County were incomplete as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, but were overwhelming — Miller had collected 16,743 votes (64.23%) opposed to Burge's 9,325 (35.77%).

The 67th district includes all of Ashland County and part of Medina County.

Burge concedes race at 10 p.m. on Election Day

In a Facebook post, Burge conceded the race to Miller at 10 p.m.

"Unfortunately it’s not looking like it's going to work out for us tonight," the post reads. "I believe in standing up for your community and trying to make things better. We need more public servants in government. I wish Melanie Miller for Ohio nothing but the best in her new role as our state representative."

Miller excited to get to work

By 10:15 p.m., Miller told the Times-Gazette she was eager to start working for the people of her district.

"I am so honored that the people of Ashland and Medina counties have chosen me as their next state representative," Miller said.

She said the victory was affirmation that the values she represented throughout her campaign resonated with voters.

"I am really excited," Miller said. "I think the weight of the office of the position has hit me. I don't take this lightly. This is not about Melanie Miller — this is about the people of Ashland and Medina counties and our state."

Conservative stance on issues ahead of election

Ahead of the election, Miller said the best way to make a difference in government is to be innovative in tackling the issues of the day.

"These issues do not stay the same but are constantly changing, which is why the person representing the 67th House District must be a leader for our conservative values," Miller had said.

Miller entered the election as the executive director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, where she has helped provide "compassionate care and life-affirming options to women in the greater-Ashland County area who are facing unexpected pregnancies." In that role, her mission has been "to create a culture of care and protection for both mom and baby."

"I believe in the sanctity of every human life, from the time of conception until natural death," Miller said.

Miller said she is also a strong supporter of freedom, education, families, as well as businesses and good jobs.

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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: 67th Ohio House District: Republican Miller defeats Democrat Burge