This article first appeared on The Buckeye Flame.

With a unprecedented rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-transgender legislation across the country, out LGBTQ+ candidates faced a range of political climates in their own communities.

While some candidates reported intense anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, other experienced overwhelming community support.

In total, 15 out LGBTQ+ Ohioans ran for public office in the 2024 general election, campaigning to represent voters in major cities and small villages and townships across the state.

Bobbie Brooke ArnoldOhio State Representative, District 40

Bobbie Brooke Arnold lost her campaign to represent Ohioans in District 40 to incumbent and conservative Republican Rep. Rodney Creech (West Alexandria). 

Earlier this year, Creech partnered with fellow Republican Rep. Angie King (Celina) – who also ran against a transgender candidate in the 2024 general election – proposing anti-transgender legislation in an effort to disqualify their opponents from appearing on the ballot.

Arienne ChildreyOhio State Representative, District 84

Arienne Childrey lost her campaign to represent Ohioans in District 84 to conservative Republican Rep. Angie King (Celina), who earlier this year proposed anti-transgender legislation that nearly disqualified Childrey from appearing on the ballot.

King also sponsored Ohio House Bill (HB) 68, which bans healthcare for transgender youth across the state and prevents transgender girls from competing in sports from kindergarten through college.

Laura Marie DavisOhio House of Representatives, District 55

Democrat Laura Marie Davis lost her campaign to to represent residents from Ohios 55th House District to Republican incumbent Michelle Teska.

Shawn DingusJudge in Ohio’s 10th District Court of Appeals

Shawn Dingus won his campaign to represent Ohioans as a Judge in Ohio’s 10th District Court of Appeals. He ran unopposed.

David DonofrioOhio State Board of Education, District 6

David Donofrio lost his campaign to represent Ohioans as a member of the Ohio State Board of Education in District 6, which includes the city of Columbus and Franklin County.

Donofrio – who previously served on South-Western City School District Board of Education – would have become the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Ohio State Board of Education.

Ari FaberOhio Senate, District 30

Ari Faber lost his campaign to represent residents of District 30 in the Ohio Senate. Faber received endorsement from both the National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund and Planned Parent Advocates of Ohio, among others.

Diane FisherClermont County Recorder

Diane Fisher lost her campaign to represent residents of Clermont County as County Recorder, who works under the county’s Records Commission and “makes a complete, accurate and permanent record of every document pertaining to the conveyance and encumbrance of land within the county.”

Fisher earned endorsements from the anti-gun violence nonprofit group Moms Demand Action, the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Columbus).

Jamie HoughOhio State Representative, District 69

Jamie Hough lost his campaign to represent Ohioans in District 69 – which includes the city of Lancaster and Fairfield County – to Republican incumbent Rep. Kevin Miller (Newark).

Nick HubbellOhio State Senate, District 20

Nick Hubbell lost his campaign to represent residents of District 20 in the Ohio Senate to Republican incumbent Rep. Tim Schaffer (Lancaster).

Micah McCareyOhio State Representative, District 95

Dr. Micah McCarey – who is the director of Ohio University’s Pride Center – lost his campaign to represent Ohioans in District 95 to Republican incumbent Rep. Don Jones (Freeport).

Charmaine McGuffeyHamilton County Sheriff

Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey won the race to keep her seat as Sheriff of Hamilton County, which includes the city of Cincinnati.

McGuffey defeated her former boss and predecessor Jim Neil, earning endorsements from the Hamilton County Democratic Party, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, local labor unions and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Columbus).

Nathaniel OvermireFranklin County Coroner

Nathaniel Overmire was elected to represent Franklin County residents as County Coroner. Overmire – an osteopathic family physician from Fostoria, Ohio – has served as County Coroner since Jan. 2023. He ran for the seat unopposed.

Taylor SappingtonAthens County Treasurer

Taylor Sappington won the race to represent Athens County residents in the role of County Treasurer. Sappington previously served as City Auditor in Nelsonville, and ran for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2018.

Robert Schleper (NOT YET CALLED)Cuyahoga County Council, District 6

Robert Schleper is currently leading longtime Republican incumbent Jack Schron by 17 votes to represent Cuyahoga County residents as a member of Cuyahoga County Council. The race is one of the closest to ever take place in the county.

Garrett SohnlyDelaware County Commissioner

Garrett Sohnly lost his campaign to represent Delaware County residents in the role of County Commissioner to Republican Gary Merrell.

Ohio Democratic Party Pride Caucus Chair Jeremy Blake contributed to identifying candidates included in this story.

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