Republicans appear to hold onto Montgomery County Statehouse seats

Unofficial results show White ahead of Caruso 51-49; other incumbents Creech and Plummer win more easily

In unofficial results from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, Rodney Creech, Phil Plummer and Andrea White appear to have won their respective races for seats representing Montgomery County in the Ohio House of Representatives.

In the race for the 36th District, unofficial results show incumbent Republican White narrowly winning with 51.11% of the vote, compared with 48.89% for Democratic candidate Addison Caruso. As in any election, there are provisional ballots and late-arriving absentees remaining to be counted, but it is unclear whether they could affect the 870-vote margin.

“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to serve the new 36th House District and I look forward to listening, learning, and leaning in to work with everyone to help move our children, family and our region forward,” White said Tuesday night. “I congratulate my opponent Addison Caruso on his first run for office.”

In the race for the 40th District, incumbent Republican Creech received 72% of the vote, compared with 28% for Democratic candidate Amy Cox.

Creech said on election night he looks forward to getting back to work and getting to know the constituents in his newly-defined district.

“I’ve been working in the new district for about eight months, going to council meetings, meeting with council members and members of the community, and going to community events,” he said. “I’m working hard to get to know the people and I think the results tonight show that what we’re doing is working.”

In the race for the 39th District, incumbent Republican Plummer received 56% of the vote, to 44% for Democratic candidate Leronda Jackson.

“I want to thank the voters for their confidence and support for me,” Plummer said late Tuesday evening. “My top priorities are to put the Dayton region back on the map and bring more resources back to our communities. I’m running for speaker of the House and if I win, that will be a huge advantage for Montgomery County.”

Creech v. Cox

Creech and Cox are opponents in a Statehouse election for the second time in two years, but with the recent passage of new four-year legislative district maps, the two candidates were vying for the 40th district instead of the 43rd. The new 40th district includes all of Preble County, part of northern Butler County, plus a northern strip of Montgomery County that includes Huber Heights and parts of Vandalia, Butler Twp., Union and Clayton.

Top priorities for Cox include wages, education, and healthcare, with focuses on Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights. Cox has expressed support for the legalization of cannabis and intention to address homelessness and poverty, the growing opioid and meth epidemic, and improve infrastructure.

Key issues for Creech, a former Twin Twp. trustee and Preble County commissioner, include reforming education, creating jobs, and combating the drug epidemic. Creech has also said he is “pro-life and pro-Second Amendment,” with goals to achieve balanced budgets and lower taxes.

White v. Caruso

White and Caruso vied for Ohio’s new 36th Statehouse district, which includes Kettering, Oakwood, Moraine, and chunks of southeast and southwest Dayton.

Top priorities for Caruso include education, energy reform, and affordable housing. Caruso has said state legislature needs to be “held accountable” and that he is against policies like arming teachers and bans on abortion.

Key issues for White, a former Kettering Municipal Court clerk, include health, education, safety and economic security of the district’s families, businesses and communities. White has said she is driven to get results and a “conduit for collective impact” to drive change.

Plummer v. Jackson

Plummer faced Jackson for the new 39th Statehouse District, which includes much of northern and western Montgomery County, including areas of Harrison Twp., Vandalia, Englewood, Clayton, Trotwood, Brookville, New Lebanon and West Carrollton.

Top priorities for Jackson, include protecting women’s rights, keeping kids safe at school, and supporting small businesses. Jackson has said she intends to protect reproductive rights and keep guns out of schools, and has also expressed support of labor unions.

Key issues for Plummer, a former Montgomery County sheriff, include lowering taxes, increasing public safety and improving schools. Plummer has said he aims to cut state income tax and provide wraparound services for schools.

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