State

State Representative, 72nd District

Vote for: 1
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 3
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.

Most of Portage County, including Kent, Ravenna, Garrettsville, Mantua, Windham and Portage County's part of Tallmadge; Aurora and Streetsboro are in District 35.

Candidates Compare by issue

Jeff Clapper

Democratic

Kent City Council president · Kent

The gist

Supports local control over large data center development.
Proposes ending the E-Check emissions test in Portage County.
Opposes EdChoice vouchers; supports fully funding public schools.
Supports building workforce and affordable housing.
Supports bringing a birthing center back to Portage County.

More about Jeff

View sources (1)

Supports local control over large data center development.
Jeff Clapper for Ohio House District 72
Campaign website · Jeff Clapper campaign · clapper4ohio.com
“I will fight for greater local control, transparency, and responsible development to ensure that large-scale data centers do not negatively impact our residents”
Proposes ending the E-Check emissions test in Portage County.
Jeff Clapper for Ohio House District 72
Campaign website · Jeff Clapper campaign · clapper4ohio.com
“Ending E-Check would reduce costs and inconvenience for working families”
Opposes EdChoice vouchers; supports fully funding public schools.
Jeff Clapper for Ohio House District 72
Campaign website · Jeff Clapper campaign · clapper4ohio.com
“Ohio should fully invest in its public schools instead of diverting taxpayer dollars away from local districts through the EdChoice voucher program”
Supports building workforce and affordable housing.
Jeff Clapper for Ohio House District 72
Campaign website · Jeff Clapper campaign · clapper4ohio.com
“I support policies that encourage the construction of workforce and affordable housing”
Supports bringing a birthing center back to Portage County.
Jeff Clapper for Ohio House District 72
Campaign website · Jeff Clapper campaign · clapper4ohio.com
“I support bringing a birthing center back to Portage County”

Michael Fricke

Libertarian

Kent

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Michael

Heidi Workman

RepublicanIncumbent

State representative; registered nurse and small business owner · Rootstown

The gist

Sponsored the photo voter ID constitutional amendment (State Issue 3).In office
Supports prior authorization limits for insurers (HB 220).In office
Supports a commission studying AI and quantum computing (HB 650).In office
Supports property tax relief.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Heidi

View sources (5)

Sponsored the photo voter ID constitutional amendment (State Issue 3).
Ohio Legislators Introduce Joint Resolutions Enshrining Voter ID into Ohio Constitution
Government record · Ohio House of Representatives · May 18, 2026 · ohiohouse.gov
“The resolutions are being championed by State Representatives Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) in the Ohio House”
State Rep. Heidi Workman Applauds Adoption of State Issue 3 Ballot Language
Government record · Ohio House of Representatives · Aug 5, 2026 · ohiohouse.gov
“Senate Joint Resolution 10, which Rep. Workman championed through the House with a companion bill”
Supports prior authorization limits for insurers (HB 220).
Ohio House Passes Prior Authorization Reform to Reduce Delays and Improve Patient Care
Government record · Ohio House of Representatives · Mar 25, 2026 · ohiohouse.gov
“House Bill 220 is about putting patients back at the center of health care”
Supports a commission studying AI and quantum computing (HB 650).
Ohio House Passes Bill to Establish Frontier Technology & Quantum Study Commission
Government record · Ohio House of Representatives · Mar 4, 2026 · ohiohouse.gov
“legislation to establish the Frontier Technologies and Quantum Commission”
Supports property tax relief.
Heidi Workman Biography — Ohio House of Representatives
Government record · Ohio House of Representatives · ohiohouse.gov
“Her platform focuses on practical solutions, property tax relief, and support for small businesses”

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; 8 issues covered in this race.