COLUMBUS, Ohio – There were few surprises in Tuesday’s primary balloting as established politicians turned back challenges from within their own parties.
The Columbus Zoo levy goes down to defeat.
State Issue 1 is approved.
Cleveland Democrat Ed FitzGerald has won the Democratic primary for governor, setting up a high-stakes showdown this fall with incumbent Republican John Kasich. FitzGerald’s defeat of Larry Ellis Ealy was expected.
With Tuesday’s win, FitzGerald and Democrats turn their attention to November.
Kasich has amassed $8.5 million for the fall campaign, which he’ll focus on Ohio’s economic comeback.
FitzGerald will dispute Kasich’s record and draw policy contrasts on women’s health and other issues.
U.S. House Speaker John Boehner will face a college professor this fall in his bid for a 13th term in Congress after easily beating two tea party challengers in the GOP primary.
In the Democratic primary, Miami University professor Tom Poetter defeated restaurant supervisor Matthew Guyette for the right to challenge Boehner in Ohio’s 8th Congressional District.
Anti-abortion, pro-gun rights Democrat Jennifer Garrison defeated Democratic Gregory Howard in a bid to unseat two-time U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio.
The former state representative stayed away from President Barack Obama during the primary campaign. She says that his policies won’t help her win in the Appalachian district.
Freshman U.S. Rep. David Joyce defeated a tea party challenger Matt Lynch in a spirited GOP primary in the 14th district. Joyce was competing in his first primary. He was appointed to the general election ballot in 2012 after Rep. Steve LaTourette unexpectedly stepped down.
Former Summit County Councilman Pete Crossland won the Democratic primary in the 16th District in a bid to unseat two-term incumbent Jim Renacci this fall.
Two Democratic incumbents in the Ohio House have won their primaries after the state party endorsed their challengers.
Democratic Reps. John Barnes and Bill Patmon of Cleveland had taken heat in their races for breaking with their party on certain votes, though they prevailed in Tuesday’s election.
At least three House incumbents lost primaries: Democrat Zack Milkovich of Barberton and Republicans Peter Beck of Mason and Peter Stautberg of the Cincinnati area.
All five Republican incumbents in the Ohio Senate prevailed over challengers.
Voters ousted a southwest Ohio lawmaker accused of misleading investors about a company’s financial status and using their money for personal gain. State Rep. Peter Beck of Mason lost his Republican primary for the seat he has held since 2009.