After months of speculation, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Howland) has made it official: He’s running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated next year by Republican U.S. Sen. Rob Portman.
Ryan has been in Congress since 2003, though his district has been moving to the right in recent elections. Ryan says he’d be a voice in the Senate for Ohio’s workers.
“We’re talking to workers who have been left behind, who show up for work and can’t get ahead and that’s who we are talking to," Ryan said.
Change is coming, and we're going to flip this #OHSen seat. Like I always say, never bet against Ohio. Chip in here to join our team: https://t.co/d3tkbiA7m9
— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) April 26, 2021
In making his announcement, Ryan released a campaign ad that says, "The success of America isn't housed in the halls of Congress. It likes in the calloused hands and the unrelenting grit of America's workers. Those who dug the deepest sent our nation soaring."
Ryan went viral on social media earlier this year when he made an impassioned speech about the labor bill known as the PRO Act.
Ryan is the first Democrat to enter the race. Four Republicans are running: former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken, and Cleveland area businessmen Bernie Moreno and Mike Gibbons.
Portman (R-Cincinnati) announced earlier this year that he'd retire at the end of his term. He cited the ongoing political gridlock as a reason it makes it harder and harder to get things done.
Ohio Republican Party Chair Bob Paduchik issued a statement on Ryan's entry into the U.S. Senate race.
"For years, Tim Ryan has tried to pass himself off as a champion for the working class. Sadly, his support of job killing policies show he is just another fast-talking politician looking for a bigger job," Paduchik said.
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