Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Ohio US House District 2

Ohio U.S. House RepresentativeBase Salary: $174,000Term Limit: 2 yrsResponsibilities:  To represent the people of Ohio, their district, and the United States in dealing with matters of national and international importance.  The general welfare should be a prime concern.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Samantha Meadows
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Joe Wessels
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What are your top priorities and how will you address them?

State your position on voting and elections policy.

State your position on immigration policy.

State your priorities on foreign policy and national security.

State your position on environmental policy and natural resource management.

State your position on healthcare policy.

What role, if any, should government take to ensure no person is discriminated against?

Twitter @SMeadows4OH2
Training and Experience Former EMT-I
Volunteer/Community Service AmeriCorps
Poverty: Poverty is not a personal failure; it is a policy failure. Rural America faces unique obstacles due to geographical isolation: lack of healthcare providers, transportation, EMS, LE presence, and economic opportunities. I will address this by legislating for increased spending in these communities, especially in education.

Opioid Epidemic: The opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc on our communities. I am committed to introducing meaningful legislation that will address this from all angles: regulations, research, and stopping fentanyl flowing through the border.

Women's Reproductive Rights: I am committed to protecting these rights.

Workers' Rights: I will continue to support workers and their families. I am pro-union.
Voting rights are essential to the proper functioning of a democracy. Voter suppression, denying, or preventing Americans from voting is a civil rights violation. Protecting voters' rights is of the utmost importance. Federal enforcement, such as the Voting Rights Act, is needed to prevent states from making it harder for citizens to vote.
Immigration policies that I support: increasing border patrol presence, improved technology, streamlining immigration court for asylum seekers, cracking down on criminal enterprises, and protecting border cities. We must have compassionate, yet strong, immigration policies while addressing the underlying cause of migration.
Being the most powerful member of NATO, the United States is responsible for ensuring our Allies’ security and strengthening our alliance. A threat to any democracy is a threat to our democracy. We must stand against authoritarianism with power. Our national security relies on our ability to navigate foreign policy with both compassion and strength. Our policy positions and military strength position us to prevent global war.
I support environmental policies that reduce the threat we are facing due to climate change. Investing in renewable energy and environmentally friendly infrastructure is essential. Protecting our natural resources from fracking in forests such as the Wayne National Forest are of importance to me. In addition, we must provide workforce training to workers who may be displaced in sectors affected by such changes. There must also be an effort in finding ways of maintaining and creating jobs through technological advances in energy production.
Healthcare policy must begin by stabilizing the number of healthcare workers in the United States. We need to focus on prevention, ending racial disparities, rural expansion, expand tele-health and protect Medicare and Medicaid services.
Discrimination is unlawful, unconstitutional, ethically, and morally wrong. The government does have a responsibility to protect civil rights regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, & disability.
Twitter @JoeForBetter
Training and Experience Former longtime political and business journalist; Public Information Officer, Public Relations and Digital Content Marketing Specialist
Volunteer/Community Service Public Safety Drone Pilot with UAS 500 Regional Public Safety Drone Team; Board Chairperson, Helen Frank-Roush Scholarship; Amateur Radio Operator; Group Leader, Welcome Group Leader, Grief Camp Counselor, Fernside: A Center For Grieving Children
My campaign emphasizes three main priorities: promoting economic opportunity, ensuring accessible healthcare, and advocating for quality education. To address these, I plan to leverage my experience as a former reporter to bring integrity and effective representation to Washington. My approach involves active community engagement, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous economy, expanding healthcare access for all, and prioritizing educational excellence. I aim to be a strong voice for these issues, representing the needs of Southern Ohio.
I am committed to advocating for fair and transparent voting and election policies. I focus on ensuring every citizen's voice is heard and that the electoral process remains secure and accessible to all. I believe in protecting the integrity of our elections, combating any form of voter suppression, and supporting legislation that promotes transparent and inclusive voting practices. Strengthening our democracy through fair elections is a cornerstone of my campaign.
As the son and grandson of German immigrants who came to this country in 1954, I advocate for a humane and effective approach to immigration, recognizing the contributions of immigrants to our society and economy. My focus is on creating a clear path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, and ensuring family reunification. I support reforming the immigration system to make it more fair, efficient, and compassionate while also upholding the rule of law and enhancing border security.
As a Democratic candidate, my foreign policy and national security priorities are rooted in Democratic values. I am committed to maintaining strong alliances, promoting global stability, and addressing international challenges through diplomacy and cooperation. I focus on defending democratic values worldwide, combating global threats like terrorism and climate change, and supporting human rights. I advocate for a balanced approach that combines robust defense capabilities with diplomatic efforts, ensuring America's security while fostering international peace and prosperity.

As a Democrat, my environmental policy emphasizes urgent action on climate change, investment in renewable energy, and conservation of natural resources. I am committed to policies that reduce carbon emissions, promote clean energy technology, and ensure sustainable use of our natural resources. I focus on protecting our environment for future generations while creating green jobs and driving economic growth. I support strong environmental regulations and international agreements that address global environmental challenges. This approach reflects the Democratic Party's dedication to safeguarding our planet and securing a sustainable future.
As a Democrat, my healthcare policy ensures accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare for all Americans. I support strengthening and expanding the Affordable Care Act, reducing prescription drug costs, and ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. I focus on improving healthcare coverage, addressing disparities in healthcare access, and supporting public health initiatives. I believe in a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of individuals, offering comprehensive coverage that includes mental health and preventive care.
The government should play a proactive role in ensuring no person faces discrimination. This includes enacting and enforcing laws that protect individuals from discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disability. The party advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all, addressing systemic inequalities and promoting diversity and inclusion in all sectors of society. The goal is to create a more equitable and just society where everyone has the chance to succeed without facing barriers due to discrimination.