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State Representative, 81st 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.

All of Fulton, Henry and Williams counties and western Defiance County (Adams, Farmer, Milford, Tiffin and Washington townships). Open seat: Rep. James M. Hoops is not on the ballot.

Public safety

Education

  • Patti RockeyRepublican

    • Supports prioritizing literacy, numeracy and character in schools.
  • David SwansonDemocratic

    • Opposes diverting public school funds to vouchers.

Housing

  • Patti RockeyRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • David SwansonDemocratic

    • Supports zoning and rule changes for affordable housing.

Health & human services

Government & transparency

  • Patti RockeyRepublican

    • Supports regular review to simplify or eliminate state regulations.
  • David SwansonDemocratic

    • Opposes voter-roll purges and cuts to early voting.

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; 5 issues covered in this race.