State
State Representative, 5th District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 2 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state representative votes on Ohio laws and the state budget in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Franklin County: Hamilton and Madison townships (including Groveport, Obetz, Lockbourne and most of Canal Winchester), most of Truro Township and Reynoldsburg, and parts of Jefferson Township and the city of Columbus. Eboney C. Eldridge is a certified write-in candidate (not printed on the ballot).
Public safety
Richard ColeRepublican
No documented position found.
Meredith R. Lawson-RoweDemocratic
- Sponsored an overhaul of Ohio's dangerous and vicious dog law.In office
- Sponsored tax credit for handgun training and firearm storage.In office
Housing
Richard ColeRepublican
No documented position found.
Meredith R. Lawson-RoweDemocratic
- Sponsored banning source-of-income discrimination in rental housing.In office
- Sponsored providing lawyers to low-income tenants facing eviction.In office
Health & human services
Richard ColeRepublican
No documented position found.
Meredith R. Lawson-RoweDemocratic
- Sponsored the Fair Tri-Share Child Care Program Act.In office
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 3 issues covered in this race.