Candidates
Erica Crawley
State Representative, District 26
Central, State Legislature
We are thrilled to endorse Erica Crawley for Ohio State Representative – District 26. She is an example of the kind of woman we seek to endorse for political office in Ohio and believe she would be in an influential position to help us achieve our mission of supporting an economy in which women can thrive and prosper.
“I am truly honored to have the endorsement of The Matriots. As a woman and mother, I was unwilling to continue to stand on the sidelines in this political environment. With that, I will fight to ensure women’s issues are amplified and addressed as they are everyone’s issues. Also, I will fight to make sure families are able to thrive, not just survive.”
– Erica Crawley
In 2019, Erica began her work in the Ohio House of Representatives for District 26.
House District 26 includes the Bexley, Columbus and Reynoldsburg areas in Franklin County. Click here to find elected officials in your district.
Meet the Candidate
Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?
I am running for office because in 2007 my great-aunt had the audacity to ask me “Why not you?” In 2007, while visiting my great-aunt in the hospital, (the same hospital where I donated my kidney to her exactly five years before) we sparked a conversation about the upcoming presidential election and who we could count on to advocate for change. Little did I know she would remind me of my life’s purpose by simply asking, “Why not you?” You see, I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, in a single-parent household where my mother, a college dropout, was addicted to drugs. My father, a Vietnam Veteran, never went to college and suffered from addiction as well. My mother and I transitioned frequently, living with friends and relatives. With each move, I questioned why this was my life. And although my mother and father no longer live the damaging lifestyle they once did, as a young adult, I spent a number of years trying to find an answer for or explanation of my past. From the day I last heard my aunt speak, I have spent my life trying to make a difference by serving others and giving people a voice—the voice I initially thought I did not have. I have served my country in the U.S. Navy, advocated on behalf of children and families and worked with organizations providing services to our most vulnerable populations.
I am running for office because I will bring a level of unconditional advocacy to the Statehouse. I have become uncomfortable watching on the sidelines as a mockery of our democracy continues to be made. All while my contribution was nothing more than a complaint. My inaction was unacceptable. I refuse to idly stand by while income inequality, access to affordable and quality healthcare, and the fight for equitable education continue to be growing issues. Columbus is undoubtedly hailed as one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family – yet, there are residents who do not share in that sentiment, who feel as though they and their communities have been left behind. I am running to make sure their voices are amplified and empowered in the Statehouse. I am choosing to be a role model so young people will never have to be asked, “Why not you?” They will just know.
Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.
My great aunt, Marvel Flint, came from humble beginnings. She had a love for her church and she loved helping others. Every year my aunt would adopt a family, through the church, that she would help. Often after church service she would take the family shopping for groceries or other necessities. She would often quote Dr. Martin Luther King saying “What are you doing for others?” And that’s all she did, help others. Including me. As I stated above, in 2007, while visiting my great-aunt in the hospital, we sparked a conversation about the upcoming presidential election and who we could count on to advocate for change. Little did I know, she would remind me of my life’s purpose by simply asking, “why not you?” Since then, I have tried to be just like my aunt and make a difference for others. I believe, just as my aunt did, that serving others in our community makes out community a better place for ourselves and others.
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?
Being in the Navy and going through a lot of physical training provided me with the mental capacity and fortitude to keep being a voice for the voiceless, or being an advocate for change no matter how tired and worn down I may get because this fight is not for me; there are people (my community) who are depending on me to keep going.
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 envision Ohio in 2028 a place where women are uplifted and supported in their respective fields, valued for their knowledge, skills and contributions made in their communities, and who make up at least 50% of all elected offices.
Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?
Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare or the threat of Medicaid expansion being taken away, and access to high-quality education.
Tell us something personal about yourself.
I consider myself to be a “foodie,” therefore, I will try any type of food or dish/cuisine (no matter where it comes from) at least once.