Rep. King’s Attempt to Keep Me Off the Ballot Fails—And Always Will

Rep. King and Rep. Creech’s actions were nothing more than petty, vindictive politics. They couldn’t stand the idea of facing a transgender candidate, even with an overwhelming advantage. But here’s the kicker—their effort has completely failed. By the time candidates file for the 2026 statehouse elections, I’ll be outside the five-year window required by the Ohio Revised Code, making their maneuver useless.

Even worse for them, their vindictiveness has backfired spectacularly. They’ve inadvertently forced the Secretary of State’s office to create more accessible forms for transgender candidates. The updated paperwork now includes proper spaces for the name-change provision and clear guidance on compliance—changes that ensure transgender candidates can fully exercise their right to run for office. Their spiteful attempt to block inclusion didn’t just fail—it actually made the system fairer and more accessible for everyone.