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Ironworker Brian Poindexter Wins Ohio’s 7th District as Union Members Sweep Northeast Ohio

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Ohio made history Tuesday night, electing its first woman governor and ushering in a new wave of working-class representation at every level of government.

Fifteen union members and union spouses won their elections, including Ironworker Brian Poindexter, who will represent Ohio’s 7th District in the U.S. Congress. Six union members won seats in the Ohio General Assembly, making Cuyahoga County home to more union members in the Statehouse than any other county in the nation.

Working people deserve a seat at the table.” said North Shore AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Brian Pearson. “Too often, decisions are made that affect our lives without working people in the room. Tonight, we took an important step toward changing that and shifting the balance of power back in favor of working people. We did it by organizing, getting involved, and stepping up to lead. I am incredibly proud of every candidate who put themselves on the line, ran under labor’s banner, and gave it their all. Their victories represent more than wins on election night. They represent working people claiming a greater voice in the future of our communities and our state.

The victories bring the number of union members holding elected office in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties to more than 40. 

These victories didn’t happen overnight. Year-round political organizing is a cornerstone of our work in Greater Cleveland,” said North Shore AFL-CIO Political Director Rebecca Gorski. “Beginning in August, that work culminated in an extraordinary effort, with union members knocking on more than 50,000 doors at union households across our three counties and talking with fellow union members about the importance of making their voices heard.

STATEWIDE VICTORIES

Ohio voters elected Democrat Amy Acton as the state’s first woman governor, defeating anti-union Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who openly advocated eliminating teachers’ unions.

In the U.S. Senate race, former Senator Sherrod Brown defeated incumbent Senator Jon Husted. Husted’s voting record earned a zero-percent lifetime rating from the AFL-CIO during his short time in Washington.

John Kulewicz, who the Federation held a rally with Sunday, also won his race for Attorney General. His opponent had championed the effort to eliminate public-sector collective bargaining in Ohio 15 years ago,

Allison Russo won the critically important Secretary of State race while Jennifer Brunner and Marilyn Zayas won key Supreme Court seats.

A UNION MEMBER HEADS TO CONGRESS

Ironworkers Local 17 member Brian Poindexter won Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Max Miller and securing a historic victory for working people in Northeast Ohio.

A 20-year ironworker and former apprentice training coordinator, Poindexter has spent his career building the skills and opportunities that strengthen the union construction industry. He also serves on Brook Park City Council. After emerging from a seven-candidate primary, he served as the centerpiece of the Federation's Labor Slate. He carried that momentum into a hard-fought general election victory.

Rep. Shontel Brown, a strong supporter of organized labor, also secured re-election in Ohio's 11th Congressional District.

HISTORIC REPRESENTATION IN THE OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Working people made historic gains in the Ohio Statehouse, with six union members winning seats in the Ohio General Assembly.

Two union members won re-election, including Sean Brennan (OEA) in House District 14 and Dan Troy (SMART) in District 23. Four union members were elected to the General Assembly for the first time:

  • Scott DiMauro (OEA) — District 16
  • Davida Russell (OAPSE) — District 18
  • Nicole Sigurdson (SEIU) — District 19
  • Eugene Miller (AFT) — District 20

With these victories, Cuyahoga County now has more union members serving in the Ohio General Assembly than any other county in the nation.

Voters also re-elected several labor-endorsed allies to the Statehouse, including Representatives Tristan Rader (District 13), Chris Glassburn (District 15), Eric Synenberg (District 21), and Darnell Brewer (District 22). Samantha Salamon also won election in District 35.

Megan Coy defeated Rep. Mike Dovilla in District 17. Dovilla voted to end public sector collective bargaining during his first term at the Statehouse 15 years ago, and more recently, voted to strip university professors of much of their rights.

In the Ohio Senate, labor ally Senator Kent Smith won re-election, and Representative Bride Rose Sweeney won election to the Senate. Mike Roberto also won the open seat in District 27.

GROWING LABOR'S VOICE IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Union members and their household members also made significant gains on Cuyahoga County Council:

  • Patrick Kelly (FOP) won re-election in District 1
  • Meredith Turner (AFT) in District 9
  • Christine McIntosh (OEA household) won in District 11 as a newcomer 
  • Courtney Scheff (NTEU Household) scored a stunning upset over a four-term incumbent in District 5.
  • Marty Sweeney won a second term representing District 3. 

County Executive Chris Ronayne, who ran unopposed, was also endorsed by the North Shore AFL-CIO.

A CLEAN SWEEP FOR LABOR-ENDORSED JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

All seven candidates endorsed by the North Shore AFL-CIO for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas won their elections.

In the General Division, voters elected AFSCME members Darryl Dennie and Jennifer O’Donnell, along with Kira Krivosh, Fallon Radigan, Diane Russell, and William Vodrey.

Outgoing County Councilwoman Sunny Simon won election to the Domestic Relations Division.

VOTERS SUPPORT KEY BALLOT ISSUES

Voters also approved Issues 10 and 11, both endorsed by the North Shore AFL-CIO. Their passage represents another important victory, protecting union jobs and the communities they serve. 

The North Shore AFL-CIO congratulates all of tonight’s winners and thanks the thousands of union members, volunteers, and supporters who helped make these victories possible.

The results are a testament to what happens when working people organize, make their voices heard, and step forward to lead. Our work does not end on Election Day. We will keep building the power of working people in our communities, at the Statehouse, and in Washington.