We are thrilled to endorse Teresa Fedor for Ohio State Senate – District 11. 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.

In 2019, Teresa began her work in the Ohio State Senate, representing District 11.

Senate District 11 is in the Toledo metropolitan area and includes Maumee, Oregon and Perrysburg. 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?

As a teacher and former veteran, I was active in my union to organize and support other elected officials. I was recruited to run by my county chair in Lucas County in 2000. I was unsure of my candidacy, but sought out the answers to my numerous questions. However, once I decided to run I left no stone unturned. Although it was an uphill battle and I was not expected to win, I successfully defeated a Republican incumbent in my general election. In May 2018, I experienced my most challenging race to date in a Democratic primary. I mobilized my supporters that named themselves “The Fedor-Nation,” and together we shared my vision for Ohio’s 11th Senate District. Once again being the underdog, I defeated my opponent by an 11-point margin. Thank you to The Matriots for your support of my candidacy!

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

My parents played a large role in my career by showing a lot of love and support to their seven children. My father, especially, instilled in me a sense that I could be anything I wanted to be. Most important, he challenged me never to set limits in considering what I wanted to do with my career. I believe it is better to try and fail rather that to have never tried at all.

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?

From a very young age I wanted to serve my country and experience the world. Shortly after graduating from high school, I enlisted into the U.S. Air Force. In February 1974, I helped break a barrier for women in the military. During basic training in the Air Force, my flight unit of all women had the honor to be the first training squad to complete their obstacle course.  Keep in mind that during this training, individuals are intentionally put into situations in which they are pitted against each other, so that it’s impossible to be a team. These are the moments that you have to unite and create the determination and resolve needed for training success. In the end, it came down to each individual facing the challenges and finding a way to build themselves back up and come back together as a team.

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?

Historically, I have been most inspired by Alice Paul and other activists who put their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote. In 1917, 33 courageous women were arrested, convicted and sentenced to prison for “obstructing sidewalk traffic” in front of the White House. They were beaten and tortured by 40 prison guards until a note was sent to the press.  Finally, the 19th Amendment to our U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote on August 26, 1920.

With our right to vote, there are so many issues in our society to solve, especially as an elected official. That being said, there are so many opportunities to make things better. I have been blessed to have many strong political mentors. From the beginning, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur encouraged me to follow my passion and I will see change; it was good advice. I found the key to accomplishing change has been finding common ground, along with building partnerships on both sides of the political landscape. Together, it is my hope that we elect our first woman President by 2028!

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

As an Ohio legislator and former chair of the Ohio House Democratic Women’s Caucus, I have partnered with my colleagues to fight back to provide a better future for Ohioans every step of the way. We have insisted on better education funding and more accountability for charter schools, for extending the statute of limitations on rape, and for increased funding for infant mortality. We have advanced the cause of paid sick and family leave, and stood up for women’s rights, equal pay for women, voting rights, LGTBQ rights and civil rights. I am grateful to continue to build on these successes in partnership with your endorsement.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I biked from Toledo to Columbus, three years in a row, with a coalition of advocates to adopt physical and health education standards in Ohio. Kudos to the Ohio Bicycle Federation for mapping our 160-mile path!