Candidates
Susan Vaughn
State Representative, District 51
Southwest Ohio, State Legislature
The Matriots are excited to endorse Susan for Ohio House District 51. She is hard working with a passion for making a difference and we know she is committed to making Ohio more equitable for all.
House District 51 includes Butler county, the Cincinnati area and the cities of Fairfield and Hamilton. 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?
As with many, I was impacted by the presidential election in November 2016. I knew I had to do something and I began my career transition. Never having been “political” before, I took the leap and decided I would run for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 51st District. There were many discussions with family and friends and I received their encouragement and support. I announced my retirement from my job of over 30 years as a university administrator and my campaign team was created. I want to stress that this has not been as easy as it might seem and many have said a win in my district is nearly impossible. “Impossible” is not a word that I will utter! In fact, I took on the “impossible” about 12 years ago, at the encouragement of my son and we became contestants on “The Amazing Race.” This experience is likely what caused me to say if I can do that I can do anything! There are many similarities and the leap off of the Andes Mountains was the most exhilarating thing I had ever done, until now. The exhilaration and exhaustion have returned and I’m enjoying every minute and looking forward to an unbelievable celebration on November 6.
Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.
There isn’t just one person I can credit with inspiring me to run. My family and friends have all been a tremendous influence. My husband though, is my biggest supporter and inspiration in life. Married for 48 years and experiencing so much together, there is no way I would go this alone.
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?
As director of the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution [at Miami University] for 25 years, there are many skills that are transferable to all walks of life and in particular to politics. I am a collaborator, great listener, excellent at managing conflict, skilled in policy development and policy implementation. I’ve also worked since I was 16 years old and as a result I have a strong work ethic, oftentimes to a fault, according to my family.
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?
My vision is the same however I like to push the envelop and I really hope we exceed 50%!
Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?
Dramatic cuts have occurred at the local level as a result of the governor and state legislature establishing a $2.7 billion dollar “rainy day fund.” And, the fund continues to grow by leaps and bounds while the safety and well being of local communities suffer. The opioid epidemic has hit our county very hard. Tremendous need for support in the area of healthcare, mental health, education and research.
Tell us something personal about yourself.
I love adventure, though at first glance, people are often surprised by my adventurous spirit. My husband and I have traveled the world, we have taken on major renovation projects with a vision that others just didn’t see and we are always looking for something more. I accompanied a friend to China when she adopted her daughter; we became mom and dad last year to an international high school exchange student and, last but not least, my son and I were the first “mother/son” team on “The Amazing Race” Season 7. Check it out on YouTube.