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District 29 State Central Committeeman

Republican State Central Committee Member, ManNo. to be elected: 33 statewide—1 per State Senate district | Salary: none | Term: 2 yearsResponsibilities: With other Committee members, represents the state-level decision-making body for the Republican party. Each Ohio Senate district is represented by one man and one woman.Republican State Central Committee Member, WomanNo. to be elected: 33 statewide—1 per State Senate district | Salary: none | Term: 2 yearsResponsibilities: With other Committee members, represents the state-level decision-making body for the Republican party. Each Ohio Senate district is represented by one man and one woman.Democratic State Central Committee Member, ManNo. to be elected: 33 statewide—1 per State Senate district | Salary: none | Term: 4 yearsResponsibilities: With other Committee members, represents the state-level decision-making body for the Democratic party. Each Ohio Senate district is represented by one man and one woman.Democratic State Central Committee Member, WomanNo. to be elected: 33 statewide—1 per State Senate district | Salary: none | Term: 4 yearsResponsibilities: With other Committee members, represents the state-level decision-making body for the Democratic party. Each Ohio Senate district is represented by one man and one woman.

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    Joseph French
    (Rep)

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    Phil G. Giavasis
    (Dem)

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    Ralph F. Spampanato
    (Rep)

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    Steve Tharp Jr.
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What are the most important functions of the State Central Committee, and why?

What are your top priorities, if elected?

What will you do to promote voter participation?

Training and Experience Leadership Ohio 2023 Fellow, Harvard Business School: Center for NonProfit Excellence ​​​Strategic Perspectives in NonProfit Management- October 2017 ​​​Kent State University ​​​Essential Skills for Managing Project
Volunteer/Community Service Meyers Lake Village Council (elected for 8yrs), JRC Board Member, Stark County Bar Association Grievance Committee Member, GOP Executive Committee, GOP Precinct Member, YMCA Board Member, Leadership Stark County, Leadership Ohio
The Senate Central Committee plays a vital role in building a strong and effective party organization. Its most important responsibilities include recruiting and supporting strong candidates, engaging voters, and maintaining an active network of volunteers and community leaders. The committee helps ensure that our party is organized, responsive, and connected to the people it represents. By identifying emerging leaders and supporting campaigns, the committee helps strengthen our ability to communicate our values and priorities. Ultimately, its purpose is to help build a vibrant, engaged political organization that encourages participation and supports leaders who are committed to serving their communities.
If elected, my top priorities would be strengthening our local party organization, expanding community engagement, and supporting candidates who reflect the values of our district. I believe in local sovereignty and want to represent Stark County at the state level. I want to help build a welcoming and active network of volunteers, precinct leaders, and community supporters who feel connected to our mission. I also believe in being present in the community year-round, listening, building relationships, and staying engaged beyond election cycles. Finally, I want to help identify and encourage future leaders who are passionate about public service so our party continues to grow and remain responsive to the people we serve.
Promoting voter participation starts with engagement and education. I believe in meeting voters where they are, through community events, local organizations, and direct conversations about the issues that matter to them. Providing clear information about registration, early voting, and Election Day helps remove barriers that sometimes prevent people from participating. I also believe it’s important to encourage civic involvement among younger voters so they develop lifelong habits of engagement. By building relationships, sharing information, and encouraging open dialogue, we can create a stronger culture of civic participation in our community.
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Twitter/X @tharpforoh
Training and Experience Served 8 years on Brewster Council; Current serving as Chairman of the Western Stark GOP (15 years and counting), ~10 years serving on Stark GOP Central Committee and appointed as a member of the Stark GOP Executive Committee
Volunteer/Community Service 17 years volunteering for the Stark County Republican Party on campaigns and 15 years leading the Western Stark GOP turning Massillon Republican, Board of Directors for the Solid Waste Association of North America (Ohio) (5 years)
The State Central Committee is where the direction of the party is set. It drives strategy, builds the ground game, and ensures Republicans win. It is responsible for setting party strategy, establishing the platform, supporting candidates, organizing grassroots efforts across every county, managing party finances, voting on endorsements, and electing party leadership, including the Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

This matters because without strong leadership at this level, resources scatter, and voters get ignored.

I’m running because for 17 years I’ve done the work, showing up, building teams, and delivering wins, including helping turn Massillon from blue to red. I will make sure our party stays focused, organized, and fighting for Republican voters, not insiders.
I’m running for State Central Committee because leadership means showing up, and for 17 years, that’s exactly what I’ve done. This role isn’t about a title; it’s about results, accountability, and building a party that wins. Over the past 17 years, I’ve supported candidates and delivered conservative wins, including helping turn Massillon from blue to red by helping to elect a GOP Council majority and electing our first Republican mayor in over 30 years. I am proudly pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, and America First. I believe there should be no endorsements in contested primaries because the voters should decide; not party insiders. I will represent Republican voters, not insiders, and fight to keep our party focused, united, and built to win.

I’m already working to increase participation—encouraging voters to register before the registration deadline, request absentee ballots, vote early, and show up on Election Day.