COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Dec 13th, the Ohio Democratic Party kicked off a statewide effort to rally thousands of Democrats to run for local office, especially in races that are often uncontested. This candidate recruitment program is part of a national movement led by Contest Every Race to ensure every Republican faces a challenger, especially in down-ballot races that most impact their communities. 

Despite the disappointing election results, Ohio Democrats are laying the groundwork for success in 2025 and beyond. Finding candidates who reflect their local communities, in every county across Ohio, is crucial to ensuring all voters feel represented —both now and in the future.

The 2025 candidate recruitment program will target recruiting candidates for over 6,000 local offices where typically only one non-Democrat runs, including village and city council members, school board members, and other local offices across the state. The goal is to find and support as many new Democratic candidates as possible to file for office by the February 5th deadline.

“To build a stronger future for Ohioans, especially in our rural communities, we need Democratic candidates who reflect the values of their neighbors—fighting for everyday families and using common sense solutions in office,” said Executive Director of the Ohio Democratic Party, Alexis Nielson. “Local offices are the foundation of our democracy, and the outcomes of those races are felt every day in our communities. By partnering with Contest Every Race, we’re working to recruit more Democrats to step up and run. Ohio Democrats are here to fight for our people and our shared futures.”

“In 2025, we’re doubling down on our commitment to Ohio by launching a bold initiative to recruit and support local candidates in rural and small-town communities,” added Contest Every Race Director Lauren Gepford. “At this critical political moment, it’s clear that there are no ‘off years.’ This program is a testament to our determination to strengthen the party at the local level and prepare for the battles ahead.”

The recruitment program contains multiple components, including text messaging infrastructure, coaching calls, and meetings to organize and mobilize Democrats to run for local office. The program targets areas where the concentration of uncontested Republicans tends to be higher, specifically rural communities and small towns. 

Since its inception in 2018, the Contest Every Race project has recruited over 10,000 Democrats to run for local office across the country. Contest Every Race found that Democrats failed to run in over 50% of all partisan races in 2022, a staggering figure that lays bare the bench and party-building work needed to rebuild Democratic strength in the Trump era. 

To speak with leaders of the Ohio Democratic Party, contact [email protected]. 

Contest Every Race, a project of Movement Labs, recruits Democrats to run in otherwise uncontested local races and operates a national rural organizing support program to net votes for Democrats in the 2025 election.