Training and Experience
State Representative Willis Blackshear Jr is a lifelong Dayton-area resident whose career has been dedicated to serving Montgomery County. After graduating from Trotwood-Madison High School, and Wright State University, Rep. Blackshear worked at the Montgomery County Board of Elections and served as an outreach specialist at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office. Rep. Blackshear is currently serving in his second term as State Representative for Ohio’s 38th House District.
Volunteer/Community Service
I love volunteering with my church and the foodbank. I also read to students at our local schools and participate in community cleanups.
Economic & Workforce Development: As I have in the State House, I’ll continue to fight for more investments in making sure that our young people have the training and skills they need for the jobs of the future. Protecting our freedoms: In the State House, I’ve been proud to stand up against Republican attacks on our freedoms. I fought against the August special election last year that tried to undermine our democracy and attacks on Ohioans reproductive rights. In the Senate, I will continue standing up for Ohioans’ freedoms. Bringing resources back to Montgomery County: In the State House, I’ve brought more than $23 to projects here in our community. In the State Senate, I will keep fighting to make sure investments like these come here.
I’m proud of my record of standing up to GOP attacks on the freedom to vote in Ohio. The folks running the Ohio statehouse have unfortunately made clear they have very little regard for Ohioans: from repressive voter rules, to illegal gerrymandering, to the failed attack on our democracy last August. As a State Senator, I’ll fight to make sure that the right to vote is protected. That includes repealing anti-voter laws and supporting citizen led initiatives to enshrine the freedom to vote and end partisan gerrymandering.
For too long, Ohio has pursued an economic agenda that hasn’t helped our community. When the state has invested in bringing new projects and companies to Ohio, those opportunities have overwhelmingly gone to Central Ohio, not Montgomery County. Too often, the driving economic policy has been tax breaks for the wealthy while cutting basic, necessary services for Ohioans. It’s time we make the wealthiest Ohioans pay what they owe in taxes so that we can invest in the sort of workforce development and small business support we need to grow the Ohio economy from the middle out, not the top down.
While we have seen some improvements in our education system after years of GOP cuts to our schools, more must be done. If we are serious about the future of our state, we need to invest in our schools and universities, rather than attack teachers and ban books.
I also want to see the State stop investing so much in privately run failed charter schools that face little accountability and transparency and focus first on our public schools. The charter school system in Ohio has robbed our children of the education they deserve.
As someone who began their career working in local government, I have incredible respect for the hardworking people who deliver for their communities. Local leaders are the people closest to the problems facing our state and we should be empowering them to do what is right for their communities. But too often, the Republicans running Ohio have undermined local governments’ abilities to serve their constituents, from protecting the environment, to raising wages, to cracking down on gun violence. In the State Senate, I’ll be a partner to local governments in moving Ohio forward.
It’s time for Ohio to finally get serious about making affordable, quality healthcare available to all Ohioans. This includes tackling the unacceptably high infant mortality rate, particularly among Black families. In the State Senate, I’ll stand up against GOP attacks on healthcare, particularly attempts to undermine Medicaid expansion, which is a vital tool both at growing our workforce and tackling the opioid epidemic.
During my time in the state House, I’ve stood up for Ohio’s beautiful environment and vital natural resources - and am proud to be endorsed by the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. It’s time for Ohio to stop doubling down on outdated, expensive energy sources and instead invest in the technology and energy of the future. There’s no reason Ohio cannot lead the way on the green tech of the future. It is also time that we finally repeal all of the corrupt House Bill 6 dirty coal bailout and reform our public utility regulation system to lower costs and crack down on corruption.
Every Ohioan, regardless of who they love, how they identify, or what they look like deserves to live in our state with dignity, respect, and safety. Instead of solving the pressing problem facing Ohio, the Republicans in charge have spent their time attacking trans kids. I have loudly opposed these awful bills and if elected to the state Senate I will continue to stand up for all Ohioans. This includes opposing attacks on healthcare and pushing to remove legal discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Training and Experience
I am running for State Senate because the hardworking families of the Dayton region need a stronger voice speaking out for them in Columbus. I look forward to using my successes on Kettering City Council, in transportation, childcare, and housing to make our region better. I also teach at United Seminary and work for CarePortal, aiding foster children and local families in crisis. I am married with two wonderful children, and my father is former Congressman & Ambassador Tony Hall.
Volunteer/Community Service
I grew up in a household where public service was a way of life. To that end I serve on several boards including as a Trustee for County Corp and I chair the county-wide Welcome Dayton extension.
My top priorities as State Senator will focus on Ohio's urgent challenges. The state's 50th ranking in children's services highlights a crisis due to misguided policies and insufficient funding. I've successfully advocated for practical solutions, like Kettering's home-based childcare program, and aim to expand these efforts across the Dayton region. Ohio's 44th health ranking requires action. I plan to address these issues by pushing for health insurance market regulation, tackling Dayton's infant mortality problem, and securing funding for mental health and drug rehab services. Dayton has ranked among the top five hungriest cities in the nation twice in the last decade. I will work to make Dayton a USDA hunger-free community once again.
Ohio needs a voter-led movement to break free from the grip of gerrymandering – one of our state's main challenges. Gerrymandering has distorted the fairness of our elections, manipulating district lines for political gain. I look forward to being a part of promoting a voter-backed constitutional amendment that will force the end of gerrymandering in Ohio. Additionally, I advocate for addressing broader problems in Ohio's election policy, promoting transparency, accessibility, and fairness. I want to fight to elevate voter confidence and safeguard the democratic values that make our electoral process truly meaningful.
My commitment as State Senator is to drive sustainable growth that invigorates our economy, creating an environment where businesses in the Dayton region thrive, and residents flourish by:
1. Championing workforce housing to ensure our community aligns with current and future housing needs.
2. Collaborating with local businesses, nurturing innovation hubs, and championing small enterprises for a diverse economic landscape.
3. Advocating for strategic government investment in vocational training to position the Dayton region as a thriving innovation hub.
4. Fighting for the vital role of childcare services and top-tier public education in crafting a truly business-friendly community.
Public schools are essential for the Dayton region’s economic well being; each $1 invested in early childhood education yields a $13 return in increased productivity. The Ohio legislature must ensure equal access to quality education by increasing funding for public schools. In the State Senate, I'll address funding disparities, work to modernize formulas and ensure equitable resource distribution. This goal is in line with Ohio's constitutional mandate against relying solely on property taxes by increasing state funding.
I am also committed to affordable education at state universities. In the Senate, I'll advocate for tuition reduction strategies and incentivize partnerships with businesses to ease students' financial burdens.
The state should play a supportive role in local governance, stepping in when necessary to ensure fairness, equity, and adherence to broader legal frameworks. Conversely, checks on state government become necessary when there is a risk of corruption, abuse of power, or violation of constitutional rights.
As a member of the City Council, I have learned the value of home rule, which emphasizes the autonomy of local municipalities. However, state encouragement for local initiatives is also important. Specifically, the state could do more to encourage housing creation by holding local cities accountable to rezone and lower building permitting fees. This would foster the creation of more mid-market housing and address critical housing needs.
As State Senator, I will work hard to address Dayton’s healthcare issues. Tackling soaring costs is my priority and I will propose legislation to limit provider price growth, address healthcare cost disparities, and fortify insurer rate reviews.
Ohio's 44th health ranking demands holistic strategies, including chronic disease management, poverty reduction, opioid epidemic solutions, improved mental health access, and tackling infant mortality problems.
Healthcare workforce shortages hinder access. State Legislation should create initiatives to attract professionals, ensuring statewide accessibility.
Collaboration with policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations is key to address our healthcare needs in Ohio.
As State Senator, I will advance environmentally conscious policies, grounded in my practical experience:
On the Kettering City Council, I played a role in establishing a sustainability committee that works to identify key city elements for a more environmentally responsible future. I successfully advocated for increasing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure with the help of the city bike committee. Finally, I advocated for tree planting initiatives, a robust city recycling program, and environmentally friendly building codes.
Building on these successes, I will champion clean energy adoption, safeguard water resources, and promote sustainable practices that balance economic development with environmental preservation.
The government plays a crucial role in ensuring that no person is discriminated against. It should actively implement and enforce anti-discrimination laws, policies, and practices to promote equal opportunities for everyone. By championing diversity and actively addressing discriminatory practices, the government contributes to building a fair and equitable society.
In Kettering, I served on the Board of Community Relations to implement policies that promote equity and inclusivity within our community. One notable initiative involved advocating for fair housing practices and working towards the establishment of programs that address housing disparities.
Training and Experience
I am a mom, community member, and small business owner of a freelance communications consulting company. I have been an elected official since 2017, when I ran for my first term on the Dayton school board, and am currently serving my second term. I testify and advocate for public education in the Ohio Statehouse, and am the delegate to advocate for public education in DC for this congressional district. I was the county co-lead to get Issue 1 passed last year.
Volunteer/Community Service
In addition to Issue 1 last year, I sit on several boards, one of which is Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio. I served as the Director of the New Leaders Council of Southwest Ohio, where we sought out and trained young future community leaders.
I am running because extremist legislators are failing us. As a school board member, I believe that every child has the right to a high quality education; as a Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio board member, I believe that everyone has the right to make decisions over their own bodies; and as a mom and small business owner who has been raising a family in Montgomery County for 20 years, I believe that we all want a healthy, strong community that works for everyone.
It’s not enough to elect a Democrat; we need an advocate and a fighter. I worked side by side with you last year to pass Issue 1; as the only pro choice woman in this race, I will continue to defend our right to abortion and bodily autonomy.
While I am on the campaign trail this summer, I am also going to fight to pass the anti-gerrymandering ballot initiative just as I fought to get abortion rights passed in 2023. We deserve to have districts that represent us, not districts that are hand picked by extremist politicians. I believe in automatic voter registration, same day voter registration, extended access to vote by mail, and allowing people with previous felony charges to vote. I also believe that we should support more voter education programs, to give young voters the ability to become involved and engaged in democracy so that they are excited to register to vote and join the democratic process.
We’re proud of our history of innovation here in the Dayton region, and people all across Montgomery County want a strong economy that continues to build upon innovation and entrepreneurship. That vision starts with strong public education for everyone, workforce development for students and adults, and passing legislation that supports affordable, viable housing options. We also need to recognize that so much of the extremist legislation in the statehouse is driving people and jobs out of Ohio. As someone who has worked for years with elected officials on both sides of the aisle, I will collaborate with my colleagues to pass legislation to build a strong economy that is welcoming to all.
Every child in Ohio and in Montgomery County deserves a high quality public education. So many of our kids don’t have the same opportunities and fully funding our educational system will be the first step toward that goal. As a school board member, I have also seen firsthand the effects of the nationwide teacher shortage as well as how dedicated and hardworking those teachers are. The biggest barrier to fully funding our schools is the use of billions of public tax dollars being funneled into non-public schools that are not subject to the same metrics and financial oversight as our public schools are. I have testified in the Statehouse in favor of strong public schools and will be your advocate for public education as your next Senator.
The state should support local government, ensuring that local governments are able to best serve their citizens. Currently, extremists in the state government are trying to override local government’s ability to control their own policies. This has ranged from preventing municipalities from banning plastic bags, to fighting local governments when they attempt to curb rising gun violence. This government overreach is bad for all Ohioans, and needs to be stopped.
I believe that the state should be working to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all Ohioans. There is no reason that in 2024, a random hospital bill should be enough to set back an entire family and we have to do a better job of providing access to healthcare. I am also committed to fighting extremist politicians who want to make medical decisions about our bodies and have been defending the right to abortion for years as a Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio board member. As the only pro choice woman in this race, I share your values of defending the right to bodily autonomy in our health care decisions.
I do my best thinking while walking my dogs along the river, and I love the beauty of our rivers, hills, caves, and lakes. I am appalled that our state parks have been opened up for fracking and will no longer be a protected natural resource for generations to come. We also sit on the largest freshwater aquifer in the entire state and depend on it for drinking water and should protect it not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. As a State Senator, I will oppose fracking and pollution, and fight to protect our rivers and lakes and natural resources.
This is personal to me. As a parent of a trans kid, I have watched extremists in the statehouse pass HB 68, a bill that blocks access to health care for trans minors, erodes parental rights, and is actively harmful and discriminatory to a marginalized class. Our government should be protecting, not discriminating, and legislation that legalizes discrimination against LGBTQ+ people not only harms us all, but will continue to drive young people and families out of the state. We all want an Ohio where people want to raise their families, not one that is known nationally for taking away the right to bodily autonomy. I will always listen to and fight for those who are marginalized and be their champion in the Senate.
