Brigid Kelly is a rising star in Ohio and we are thrilled to endorse her. She is a role model for women in politics with a strong track record that shows her commitment to women and their families.

“I’m proud to have earned the support of The Matriots. We need more women in government, focused on making life better for hardworking people and their families across the state. That’s what I’ve done, and that’s what I’ll continue to do every day.“
– Brigid Kelly

House District 31 includes Cincinnati, St. Bernard, and Norwood. Click here to find the elected officials in your district. 

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

Before I was elected, I worked full-time for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, a labor union representing grocery and food-packing and processing workers. We fought every day for a better life for our members: higher wages, better healthcare, retirement security, a safe place to work. We spent time at the Statehouse with our members, who were telling their elected representatives about the issues important to them. I got tired of these elected leaders dismissing the concerns of our members, and tired of trying to convince elected leaders to do the right thing. I chose to run for office to be part of leading the fight for middle-class families in our communities.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

My Grandma Tepe was always an important part of my life. When I was younger, she gave me a book of “life advice” and on the inside cover, she filled in the list of the three things most important to her: God, family, and the Democratic Party. For me, that was an illustration of the values she lived every day and her commitment to her faith, her family, and her community, and the values I try to live in service to the people in our state.

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?

Working with the union prepared me to serve: we represent a diverse group of members, with a diverse group of interests, and we are charged with doing the most good for the greatest number of people. This is how the legislature should function. It was also critical because negotiations teach you to weigh what’s important to you and choose your battles wisely, and to balance when to compromise and when to fight.

The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?

I’m all in! Diverse representation is a critical piece of effective, responsive government.

I also hope that we’ll have made great strides in creating more economic security for people in our state through raising minimum wage, creating family-leave policy, and eliminating (or narrowing) the gender-based pay gap.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

1.     Prioritizing public schools. We have to invest in and create the foundation for Ohioans to build better lives for themselves and their families – throughout their lives and no matter the pathway they choose.

2.     Creating more opportunity for people in our community. No one who works full-time should still struggle to get by or be forced to rely on assistance.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I’ve run four marathons!