Both Republicans and Democrats are saying Tuesday’s vote gives them reasons to be hopeful about next year’s statewide election, which includes the race for governor.
Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper says his party had big wins in mayor’s offices in 9 out of 10 large cities, as well as success in traditionally red areas like Wilmington.
“We have candidates who have compelling stories," Pepper said. "They’re not running around beating up on Trump. They are talking about local issues that people care about and they go on to win."
Rob Secaur, executive director of the Ohio Republican Party, has a different take.
“So of course they are going to make it sound like they are having a good night because they haven’t had a good night in 10 years,” Secaur said.
He says the GOP won mayor’s races in traditionally blue cities like Steubenville and Toledo, where the Republican ousted an incumbent Democrat.
