Why I'm Running

I have been in public service nearly my entire life. It began at Evangeline Davies Elementary School, where I became one of the first girls elected Vice President of the Student Council. That was my first campaign. I even had a campaign manager — Brian Stransky — and by some miracle, I won, defeating Arnold Kuchenmister (whom I still tease to this day).

Through middle school and high school, I stayed involved — Girl Scouts, volunteering as a candy striper at Southwest Medical Center. Service was never something I did occasionally. It became part of who I was. And that candy striper experience led me to nursing, which became my career and my calling.

For more than 30 years, I've worked inside the healthcare system — negotiating on behalf of insurers, working with physicians, hospitals, and rural health clinics, managing Medicaid operations. I've seen the system from every angle. And I'll tell you what I've seen: insurance company executives raking in millions on the backs of working people. I worked for a not-for-profit company whose CEO made over $12 million — while cutting what providers get paid. That's not right.

I'm living it myself. I'm a small business owner. I buy my insurance through the ACA — and my premium tripled. My deductible went from $500 to $7,000. I make decisions at the grocery store about what I can afford. I know I'm not alone. Everybody's struggling.

When I moved to Olmsted Falls, I started attending City Council meetings at the old city hall just down the street from my home. I'd sit quietly in the back and listen. When our community transitioned from septic systems to sewers, I — like many residents — experienced firsthand how poorly managed projects can directly affect families. Despite a kind mayor, there was little guidance or support from city hall. I remember thinking, there has to be a better way to serve people. I can do this.

After studying the city charter, municipal law, and our community's needs, I ran for mayor. I lost my first race by just 200 votes in a runoff. I used that setback as motivation. Over 20 years, I served as a Park and Recreation Board volunteer, Council-at-Large member, and ultimately Mayor.

As mayor, I took on corruption in our police department. And they came after me and my son — my son, who I love more than anything. They fabricated charges to hide what they were doing wrong.

Every charge was dismissed in under 30 days. An independent investigation confirmed the retaliation. It was devastating. It was hell. But I would not look away. And the department is better today because of what I did.

After leaving office, I took time to reflect, recharge, and spend meaningful time with my son. But stepping away didn't mean stepping back from service. I remained active in campaigns, local tax levies, and public policy efforts.

Today, like many of you, I see systems that aren't working for everyday families. Max Miller voted for their so-called beautiful bill — the bill that decimates rural healthcare and kicks 70,000 Ohioans off Medicaid. And he can't be bothered to show up — he's missed more than double the votes of the average congressman. I've written him more than once. I get the same form email that doesn't even address what I asked. That's not representation.

I know what real public service looks like — because I've been tested.

In Congress, I'll fight to lower prescription drug costs by taking on the executives profiting at our expense. I'll protect and strengthen the ACA so families don't lose coverage. I'll defend rural healthcare so no one has to drive an hour to see a doctor. I'll protect Social Security and Medicare — because seniors earned those benefits, and they are not budget lines to be cut so executives can keep their bonuses. I'll oppose reckless tariffs that are crushing our farmers and driving up costs for small businesses across this district. I'll fight to reform our tax structure so it's fair for working families — not just the people at the top. And I'll secure our borders and enforce our laws in a way that's consistent with the Constitution and the dignity that defines who we are.

My record reflects honesty, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Public service has never been a stepping stone for me — it has been my life's work.

Now is not the time to stand on the sidelines. It is time to lead.

Let's fix this — together.