Democrat and State Rep. Allison Russo credits outreach to voters for her win in the special primary election for the 15th congressional district. She beat U.S. Army retired Col. Greg Betts on Tuesday.
“We were on the ground, my team. I was out talking to voters,” Russo said..
Turnout in Franklin County for the race was only 13%. Democrats made up only 25.9% of voters in the county. Russo said she was not surprised the turnout was low.
“When we think about the timing of this, it’s in August,” she said. “People aren’t normally used to voting in August even in our primary elections which are typically held in the spring generally.”
Russo will face Republican Mike Carey who captured 37% of the vote in a field of 10 other candidates.
“I’m going to be out there talking to voters about issues that matter to them,” Russo said. “Things like talking about good-paying jobs, affordable health care, quality education and making sure that all Ohioans in this district have an opportunity to build a future here.”
Russo said despite the 15th District having a Republican in office for 54 out of the last 60 years, a Democrat can still win in November.
“Sherrod Brown won this district in 2018,” Russo said. “(Ohio Supreme Court) Justice (Jennifer) Brunner won this district in 2020. I’ve run in a very tough district before, my statehouse district which makes up a portion of this district.”
