Lipps wins Republican primary for Warren County statehouse seat

Incumbent doubled vote of 55th district challenger, will face Democrat Zorn in November
Thomas Goodwin (left) is running against Scott Lipps in the Aug. 2, 2022 Republican primary for 55th Ohio Statehouse district.

Thomas Goodwin (left) is running against Scott Lipps in the Aug. 2, 2022 Republican primary for 55th Ohio Statehouse district.

Incumbent state Rep. Scott Lipps had an overwhelming lead early Tuesday night and never looked back in the Republican primary for newly designated Ohio House District 55.

With all 93 precincts reporting, Lipps was won the race 69% to 31% over challenger Thomas Goodwin of Morrow, according to final, unofficial vote totals from the Warren County Board of Elections.

Starting in January, District 55 will cover northern, eastern and southern Warren County except for the cities of Lebanon and Mason, Deercreek, Union and Turtlecreek Twps.

In the November election, Lipps will face Democrat Paul Zorn, who was unopposed in Tuesday’s primary.

Lipps said he was proud of the work done on developmental disability issues and pharmacy benefit managers.

“Primaries are tough on family and friends,” he said. “I am very proud of this satisfying victory.”

Lipps, 65, is a former Franklin mayor and council member, and is a small business owner. He is completing his third term and is seeking a fourth and final consecutive term as a state representative. A state rep can only serve four consecutive terms before sitting out a term.

Goodwin, 41, works as a corporate officer within a Fortune 500 company and is an adjunct instructor at Miami University. He also serves as an unpaid volunteer auxiliary police officer. He said he threw his hat in the ring because he wants to become more involved in the community.

State representatives serve two-year terms and will receive a base salary of $69,876 starting in 2023. State representatives receive higher salaries if they serve in a House leadership position or as a committee chair.

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