Kirk Schuring faces challenge from write-in candidate

After 30 consecutive years in the Ohio Legislature, Kirk Schuring is seeking another term — his fourth in the Ohio Senate.

Schuring's longevity has come despite Ohio's term limit rules that require House or Senate members to leave office after serving eight years. Schuring has been able to work with Scott Oleslager, another longtime legislator, and trade the House and Senate seats every eight years — four two-year terms in the House or two four-year terms in the Senate.

Schuring, 70, returned as representative for Ohio's 29th Senate District after winning the 2018 election. In all likelihood, he will serve another four years. His opponent is independent Lynn Gorman, 70, of Lake Township, who is running as a write-in candidate. Gorman's name won't appear on the ballot, although ballots will note there is a write-in candidate for the seat.

Schuring is running on a record that's seen him introduce and pass legislation while serving in the House and Senate. Gorman supports the idea of term limits and disagrees with Schuring on issues, such as the heartbeat bill restricting abortion rights. (See clarification at end of story.)

A non-denominational minister, Gorman grew up in Lake County and moved to the Stark County area while attending Kent State University in the early 1970s. This is her first bid for a public office. She entered the race after seeing that Schuring hadn't been challenged by a Democrat.

"There's only one person running. People need a choice," Gorman said.

More:Ohio Redistricting Commission passes statehouse maps already struck down by Supreme Court

Stark County Democrats failed to find a candidate interested in seeking the 29th Senate District seat, which covers most of Stark County, excluding Pike, Bethlehem, Sugar Creek and part of Tuscarawas townships.

Samuel Ferruccio, chairman for Stark County Democratic Party, said he believes the redistricting dispute was part of the problem. Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on new district lines, and the federal courts finally approved a map that will be used for the next four years.

That means Ohio Senate districts will be good for one term, with changes coming for the 2026 election. New boundaries could mean that candidates running this year might find that they no longer live in the same district four years from now.

"The districts are definitely going to change," Ferruccio said.

Where do Kirk Schuring and Lynn Gorman stand on issues?

Schuring and Gorman both cited the importance of the economy.

Gorman said she will work to bring good paying union jobs back to Ohio. She believes more can be done to help persuade manufacturers to once again make products here. Good jobs for parents will benefit children by giving them stable homes, she said.

Gorman said she experienced the economic toll of the pandemic, losing sources of income during the period when churches closed. The economic consequences of the pandemic are substantial, she said.

"It takes some adjustment to get things back to running smoothly," she said.

Schuring said he has been focused on economic development throughout his legislative career. He cited legislation supporting joint economic development districts and cooperative economic development agreements, historic preservation tax credits, downtown development and tourist development districts, and opportunity zones. He's introduced new bills to address the housing shortage.

"When you grow the economy, you make a better standard of living for the community," Schuring said, adding that a strong economy helps finance schools, parks and social programs.

Voting rights is a leading issue for Gorman. She believes the redistricting dispute has angered some voters, citing reactions she saw as a poll worker during the May primary. The dispute is impinging on voters rights as officials controlling the process are choosing who their voters will be, she said.

"It's your primary right, as far as I'm concerned," Gorman said of voting. "That's what America is based on. Choice and going to the polls."

Schuring said Ohio's redistricting laws were approved for the ballot by the legislature, then overwhelmingly approved by voters. Interpretation of the law has been confusing, Schuring said, adding that the dispute has been unfortunate.

More:Tuscarawas commissioner Al Landis announces campaign for state Senate

Who is Al Landis, the Republican candidate in the 31st Senate District?

The Democratic Party also failed to find a candidate for the 31st Senate District, which covers Tuscarawas, Wayne and Muskingum counties and portions of Stark and Guernsey counties. Al Landis, the Republican candidate, is unopposed.

Landis is a native of Dover who retired in 2009 after 33 years in the steel industry. He ran for the Ohio House and served eight years before he left office because of term limits in 2018. Since 2019, he has served as a Tuscarawas County commissioner and that term expires on Dec. 31.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Lynn Gorman's stance on Sen. Kirk Schuring's record.

Candidates for Ohio's 29th Senate District

Name: Kirk Schuring

Age: 70

Residence: Jackson Township

Personal: Married to Darlene Schuring

Occupation: Ohio Senator representing 29th District. A member of the Ohio Legislature since 1993.

Education: Kent State University

Name: Lynn Gorman

Age: 70

Residence: Lake Township

Personal: Married to Denise Prowell

Occupation: Semi-retired non-denominational minister, with 35 years experience

Education: Kent State University

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Kirk Schuring, Lynn Gorman square off for Ohio's 29th Senate District