The Leadership Fund Announces 2024 Candidate Endorsements

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Stacey Mallett

Vice President, Communications

567.420.1240

stacey.mallett@toledochamber.com

The Leadership Fund Announces

2024 Endorsements

(Toledo, OH) Oct. 9, 2024 - The Leadership Fund, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's political action committee, was formed in 2001. The purpose is to promote candidates in Toledo and its surrounding communities who understand and work to preserve a pro-business climate in our region. The fund supports candidates at the local and state level and does not endorse candidates for federal office.

As part of the endorsement process, all candidates from selected races who will appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot were invited to interview with members of The Leadership Fund Board. Candidates were evaluated on a set of criteria, which is below.

The Leadership Fund has voted to endorse:

Ohio House of Representatives

Haraz Ghanbari (R)

Michele Grim (D)

Jim Hoops (R)

Elgin Rogers (D)

Josh Williams (R)

Ohio Senate

Theresa Gavarone (R)

Ohio Supreme Court

Joe Deters (R)

Dan Hawkins (R)

Meghan Shanahan (R)

Lucas County Commissioner

Pete Gerken (D)

Anita Lopez (D)

Wood County Commissioner

Ted Bowlus (R)

Craig LaHote (R)

Toledo City Council At-Large

Mac Driscoll (D)

Brittany Jones (D)

What the Leadership Fund looks for in a candidate for endorsement:

- Candidates that understand and support the concerns and interests of the Toledo Region's businesses.

- Candidates with positions and voting records (where applicable) that support the interests of the region's businesses.

- Likelihood of candidate to represent the interests of local business in the governing process when elected.

- The candidate's knowledge and understanding of key business issues.

- A general understanding of business and its role in the community.

- Community involvement and leadership.

- Leadership positions held within the elective body (if the candidate is seeking reelection or election after being appointed).

- Overall electability, including fundraising, commitment and public image.

Contact Brian Dicken, VP of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives at the Chamber at brian.dicken@toledochamber.com with all information requests.

Paid for by The Leadership Fund

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