Leronda Jackson is running as a first-time candidate because she “can no longer be a spectator.” She is driven to repair the disconnect she sees between voters’ houses and the State House. Leronda is a mother, grandmother, and owns LFL Insurance Agency, LLC, providing her with 20 years of business leadership experience. Her focus is increasing women’s access to career advancement, pay equity, and a livable wage.

Meet The Candidate

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

My decision to file as a candidate was swift once I made up my mind that this was the time. I had prayed and stewed over running for public office for a couple of years. On May 25, 2019, as I prayed for peace in my community as we prepared for the KKK rally, my prayer was answered when I heard the voice of the Lord say, “It’s time.” I knew my business would have to be at a stage where it could run without me. I also knew my clients would support my decision to run, however, they wanted to know how this would impact their insurance. I convinced my clients and myself that I could have both.

Can you tell me about a woman who has had a big influence on your life and inspired you to become a leader? What lessons did she teach you? 

My parents raised me to be strong. They were both high school dropouts. My father survived the Great Depression. However, my mother’s resilience and quiet strength led me to believe nothing could stop me. She taught me how to accept and love myself. She taught me that I am enough. I watched my mother handle adversity in many ways. She couldn’t pass the driver’s license test and therefore never received the privilege of driving herself places. When she became a widow after my father’s death, she handled it with grace and strength. My mother was comfortable being in the background and pushing me to shine and pursue all my goals! I’m the realization of my mother’s prayers.

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 a leader?

The overlap between my business and my leadership skills are almost seamless. Oftentimes I must readjust my thinking to handle situations I face at my business. I know the struggle is real as clients try to pay their insurance. I know the struggle of being a single mother with little help and needing time off work. I know people still want a personal touch, even though they enjoy the convenience of technology. I know the importance of trust, character, and integrity. You can’t lead effectively when you refuse to follow.

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

I honestly believe that women can make up 50% of our elected offices. It will take mentoring, coaching, and recruiting. There are many who want to get involved on a greater level, but they just need to be asked. My vision is I will be an elected official welcoming and helping women who want to run.

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

My district’s number one issue is surviving COVID-19 mentally and financially. Secondly, the future of our schools and our children’s opportunity to succeed.

Tell us something personal about yourself. It can be a hobby, your favorite food, a funny pet story, something we might not know about you that you would like to share with our members. 

I love learning new things. I could remain a student forever and a lifelong learner.