Jim Jordan challenger Steve Thomas says 'right-wing radicals' destroying our government

SHELBY — Steve Thomas said he felt compelled to run against Jim Jordan.

Thomas is one of three Democrats seeking the party's nomination to challenge Jordan for the U.S. House seat from Ohio's 4th Congressional District.

The political newcomer is facing Jeff Sites and Tamie Wilson, both of whom have run before, in the March primary. He addressed the Shelby Area Democratic Club on Thursday evening.

"I consider myself a progressive Democrat," he said. "I could no longer sit idly by and watch a small group of very well-funded, right-wing radicals destroy our government.

"As an Ohioan, I've been deeply disappointed by our lack of leadership in Congress. The past 17 years, Jim Jordan has done nothing for the people of Ohio. We have been unseen and unheard in our nation's capital."

Thomas accused Jordan of spending more time representing former President Donald Trump than the people of the 4th District.

Thomas has background in software and founded Ohio company

A Virginia native, Thomas became a software executive. He founded and built an Ohio-based, international technology company, creating more than 250 high-paying jobs, according to his website.

Thomas currently specializes in blockchain and Web3 technologies. He has lived in Ohio for nearly 30 years. His wife, Jana, grew up in Mansfield.

Thomas promised, if elected, he would protect people's civil and personal liberties.

"This includes a woman's right to reproductive freedom, as well as her right to equal pay and equal opportunity," he said. "A woman's (reproductive) freedom does not end at 15 weeks."

In addition, Thomas said he would fight for the rights of the LGBTQ community and minorities, saying the country has not achieved racial equality.

He said he would create economic opportunities for people living in the 4th District, including farmers and small business owners.

"What I've just described is not headline, attention-grabbing theater, but it is what the job of a representative should be," Thomas said.

He added Democrats are a "much better party" than Republicans.

Thomas says Democrats need to do better job of spreading message

"They think we're all about abortion, and we're not. We need to get our message out," Thomas said.

Answering a question from the audience, Thomas talked about how he differs from the other two Democratic candidates in the primary.

"I have a very good educational background," he said. "I have already started a business and grew it into an international business. I have a lot more experience as an executive.

"That makes me a different candidate. I can go into Congress, and I'm not going to be intimidated by being on the floor."

Taking a question about how to defeat Jordan, Thomas said a key is raising "a lot of money."

"We have to do it not just here but nationally," he said, saying previous candidates who challenged Jordan were underfunded.

Thomas insisted Jordan is vulnerable and said he thought the Ohio State scandal involving a doctor sexually molesting athletes while Jordan was an assistant wrestling coach would come back to "bite him."

Jordan has said he was unaware of any alleged abuse while he was coaching at OSU.

For more information on the candidate, visit stevethomasforcongress.us.

Davenport announces bid for state representative

During the regular portion of the meeting, Alomar Davenport, currently the councilman for Mansfield's 4th Ward, announced he would be running for the 76th House District seat, currently held by Marilyn John, next year.

"My vote does not belong to me. My vote belongs to the people," Davenport told the audience. "I believe in the will of the people. I believe in democracy."

Using an example, Davenport noted that Mansfield City Council will be asked to put a 0.25% income tax to repair water mains on the March primary ballot. The issue failed in last week's general election.

He said he would oppose the initiative.

"They do not believe in the will of the people," Davenport said. "You can't put something on the ballot, have it fail and immediately put it back on the ballot."

If elected, he vowed to be an engaged state representative, one who would bend to the will of the people.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Candidate for U.S. Congress addresses Shelby Democrats