This article is part of the Voters Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
The information on this page reflects Ohio's new State Senate and State House districts that determine elections in 2024 and go into effect in 2025, which may be different from your current districts.

Casey Weinstein is running for the Ohio Senate in District 28.

Casey Weinstein

Democrat

Candidate Email: kari@caseyforohio.com

Campaign Email: Casey@CaseyForOhio.com

Twitter: RepWeinstein

Volunteer / Community Service: Board of Directors Temple Israel Dayton 2012-2013. Vice President, Programs, Dayton-Wright Chapter AFCEA International

Training / Experience: Rep. Weinstein was first elected to Hudson City Council in 2015. In 2018, he was elected to his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives where he is currently serving his 3rd term. Rep. Weinstein has a long history of working across the aisle to deliver for his constituents. In his day job, Rep. Weinstein is a Director for ServiceNow, overseeing sales and business development for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Joint Forces. He maintains a Top Secret Clearance. 

Campaign address: PO Box 874 Hudson, OH 44236

Campaign phone: 330-906-9826

Website: caseyforohio.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RepWeinstein/

Education: United States Air Force Academy B.S., Management, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business MBA

What are your top priorities and how will you address them?

During my time in the House, I helped pass a budget that continues the Fair School Funding Plan using FY22 data, increases the disadvantaged pupil impact aid phase-in, and increases the minimum transportation state share percentage. I will continue to find bipartisan solutions to protect public schools. In 2023, Ohioans voted to enshrine abortion rights into our Constitution. Even still, we have legislators who state their intent to subvert the will of the people. I will always stand for reproductive freedom. As a legislator, my duty is to represent the interests of the people in my district. I’m proud of the $13million in capital investments I was able to secure for the district including funds for safety services, healthcare, and schools.

What changes do you support or oppose to voting and elections policy?

I vehemently oppose any attempts to restrict access to voting. Last year we fought back as the GOP attempted to target direct democracy, aiming to limit ways that voters can pass ballot measures. I proudly stand with the pro-democracy movement to press for legislation to boost voting access.

How should government bring economic and job opportunities to Ohio?

Embracing clean energy not only aligns with our economic interests but also proves to be financially viable. Government initiatives aimed at expediting the transition to cleaner energy sources promise to lower future energy expenses while concurrently fostering job creation. Such policies uphold growth in both advanced and developing economies.

What are your aspirations for K-12 and higher education?

I believe in fostering a strong framework for public education excellence, empowering students to thrive academically and personally, and championing the voices and welfare of our valued education professionals. I advocate for reduced class sizes, increased support services and policy that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. I am also a strong proponent of universal Pre-K.

Under what circumstances should the state support or check local government?

As a former City Councilman, I support home rule and am generally opposed to government overreach. However, certain individual liberties should be universally protected by the state.

State your position on healthcare policy.

I strive to empower healthcare workers, steadfastly championing their rights, advancing professional standards, and advocating for high-quality care for every patient in Ohio, while nurturing a united professional union community.

State your position on environmental policy and natural resource management?

I am proud to support the H2Ohio program geared at long term, sustainable, science-based, and cost effective protection of Ohio’s water resources. In addition, my daughter Nora and son Brady suffer from asthma and poor air quality exacerbates their breathing issues. I am a vocal proponent of clean energy and reducing pollution to make sure the air is clean and safe for my family and for yours.

What role, if any, should government take to ensure no person is discriminated against?

The government plays a crucial role in ensuring that no person is discriminated against. This role typically involves establishing and enforcing laws and regulations that protect individuals from discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and other protected characteristics.

Jon Leissler

Republican

Candidate Email: jon@jonleissler.com

Editor’s note: This candidate did not respond to requests for information.

Editor-in-Chief (she/her)
Zake has deep roots in Northeast Ohio journalism. She was the managing editor for multimedia and special projects at the Akron Beacon Journal, where she began work as a staff photographer in 1986. Over a 20-year career, Zake worked in a variety of roles across departments that all help inform her current role as Signal Akron's editor in chief. Most recently, she was a journalism professor and student media adviser at Kent State University, where she worked with the next generation of journalists to understand public policy, environmental reporting, data and solutions reporting. Among her accomplishments was the launch of the Kent State NewsLab, an experiential and collaborative news commons that connects student reporters with outside professional partners.