Statement on the State of Political Discourse in Ohio

October 23, 2026

On behalf of The Matriots, I want to address a moment that should concern every Ohioan, regardless of party.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s latest ad against Dr. Amy Acton, which features her estranged mother, marks an all-time low in political discourse in Ohio. Leaders in both parties have already said so. We won’t give it any more attention than that.

What deserves our attention is what moments like this do to our democracy. We wonder why people have disengaged. We wonder why voters tune out, why trust erodes, and why good people, especially women, look at public life and decide it isn’t worth the cost. When campaigns treat a candidate’s private pain as fair game, we should not be surprised when talented women decide not to run.

At The Matriots, we ask women every day to put themselves forward for public service. They deserve a forum that debates their ideas, not one that digs through their pain. We will keep encouraging women to step forward and lead. And we call on every candidate, in every party, to remember that how you campaign tells voters how you will govern. Ohioans deserve a real debate about affordability, our schools, and our future.

Ohio is better than this, and our campaigns should be too.

Rita McNeil Danish, Esq.

Interim CEO, The Matriots

This is my second endorsement from the Matriots and it is amazing to have the support of a group that supports women getting elected to office. I have been a member of Matriots for several years and before I ran for office I recognized what a unique group this was as it was the only one focused on getting women elected to offices at every level in Ohio.

Anita Somani
Ohio House of Representatives, District 8
Class of 2024 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

I'm proud to receive the endorsement of The Matriots, an organization whose vision of empowering women in leadership aligns deeply with my own values. Their commitment to bodily autonomy, healthcare, equity, and equality reflects the kind of inclusive future we're fighting for. The Matriots understand that when we uplift one woman, we uplift us all—embracing women of all backgrounds and identities. I'm honored to stand with them in this shared mission.

Arienne Childrey
Ohio House of Representatives, District 84
Class of 2024 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

Together, we share a vision of a future where women stand shoulder to shoulder, wielding equal power and influence in shaping the future of our state. With your support, I'm even more equipped to break down barriers and usher in an era of true representation, where every voice is heard and every perspective valued.

Jamille Jones
Gahanna City Council
Class of 2023 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

Your support of first-time candidates like me is certainly needed. This endorsement gives me the opportunity to meet many great women who are like minded and want to see the best for our community.

Adrienne Hood
Columbus City Council, District 4
Class of 2023 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

It is very meaningful to be supported by a nonpartisan organization that believes women’s voices are crucial to good government. I am confident that the energy of the Matriots will help propel me to victory in my race.

Sandra Kurt
Akron Municipal Clerk of Courts
Class of 2023 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

The Matriots’ work allows for a new conversation, since it’s not Democrat-versus-Republican. It is about women running and women getting elected. The Matriots continues to forward the conversation of working together in a bipartisan fashion to get policies and legislation that positively impact our communities.

Erica Crawley
Ohio State Representative, District 26
Class of 2018 & 2020 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

Besides the critical financial support, the endorsement meant the backing of women from all walks of life. That’s powerful: Women coming together to promote women! If women aren’t represented in political office our political needs aren’t going to be addressed and our political rights are going to be further eroded. As the saying goes, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu!”

Valerie McKitrick
Akron Board of Education
Class of 2019 Matriots Endorsed Candidate

My first year in office as a County Commissioner was 2019. The year was one with many challenges for our community. For example, when more than a dozen tornadoes devastated Dayton in May 2019, it was great to know that I could call on my fellow Matriots for help or advice if needed. That’s because my 2018 Matriots endorsed class included women with experience working inside the Statehouse. What a difference it makes knowing my Matriots peers are always just a phone call away for me, and they will have my back just as I will for them. The Matriots has built a network of women who support one another and get things done.

Carolyn Rice
Montgomery County Commissioner
Class of 2018 Matriots Endorsed Candidate