A Miami Valley Democrat who lost a congressional race in 2008 has announced she is running for Ohio’s new 10th congressional district. Sharen Neuhardt was the Democratic candidate against current congressman Steve Austria for the 7th district four years ago.
Since then, Ohio has gone through a redistricting process due to slow population growth. The new map was approved in December by lawmakers. It merges the 7th and the 3rd districts into what’s now the 10th congressional district. Neuhardt says she believes that the new map is an opportunity for Democrats.
" This new map put Montgomery Countyand Greene Countyand a piece of Fayette Countyinto one district. It's much more compact, it's much more Democratic, and it really is a competitive district," says Neuhardt.
Neuhardt will run against other Democrats who have filed for the March 6th primary. That list includes David Esrati of Dayton, and Fairborn Democrat Olivia Freeman, both have run for the nomination in the past. Also, Tom McMasters of Huber Heights, Ryan Steele of Beavercreek, and L. Mack VanAllen of Centerville are running.
Republican Congressman Steve Austria announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection, avoiding what was shaping up to be a tough primary challenge against Republican Congressman Mike Turner.