Whaley's announcement Tuesday comes after some of the state's well-known Democrats suggested that party leaders remain neutral in the primary.
“We believe this is the best route to avoid internal squabbling and position us for a win this November,” Whaley, a former Dayton mayor, said on Twitter.
In order to flip Ohio, Democrats need to be united this fall. That’s why @CherylForOhio and I are asking @OHDems not to endorse in the primary. We believe this is the best route to avoid internal squabbling and position us for a win this November.
— Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) February 1, 2022
Democrats have been shut out of the governor’s office since 2010. The party didn’t take sides in the 2018 Democratic primary.
Credit: John Minchillo
Credit: John Minchillo
Screeners from the Ohio Democratic Party’s Executive Committee were set to meet Tuesday to decide whether to recommend anyone before a full vote in mid-February.
Supporters of Cranley were worried the screening panel was poised to back Whaley and didn’t want her to have the cash and other advantages that come with an endorsement. She already has the backing of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, the state’s highest-ranking Democrat.