Sue McGowan is a native of Marion, and was inspired to run for Mayor after speaking to her granddaughter. She is passionate about serving and helping her community and wants to make her community a better place to live.  Sue wants to reestablish a planned parenthood clinic in Marion to give women access to better healthcare.

Meet the Candidate

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

My mother. She was always telling me, “if you don’t like something do something about it”. That was the push I needed to run for Mayor. My granddaughter wanted to move back home and I told her, “this is not a good place. We have no opportunities anymore and it won’t change”. Until we can get that change I’d rather have her live in Las Vegas.

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

My ninety-year-old mother inspired me to be a leader. She said if you don’t like what’s going on get involved in your community, live by example, and be the change you want to see. 

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?

I grew up with a single mom, at the age of 16 my life was not easy. I had to make a lot of hard decisions at an early age and work at many different jobs; retail factory work and bartending. I also worked for Badger Excavating and the Ohio Department of Transportation, working many jobs to make ends meet. First I had to become a listener before I could become a leader and always look at the big picture.

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?

If elected, we will have made a lot of progress. I can see a future in our community being a better place and electing more women into office.

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

The top two issues that our community faces today are the safety and the growth of our community. We have a huge opioid addiction problem, high-crime, and homelessness. Along with being understaffed in our community, we have to make the community a place where people want to come and raise their families. We have to encourage businesses and create an environment for growth and development.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I am a true, fun-loving human being. I have a soft heart for people and animals. I’m very outgoing. My mama said I never met a stranger. I love playing board games, pool leagues, frisbee golf, riding motorcycles, and always working on my Jeep. I’m just a hometown girl enjoying life to the fullest!