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Jennifer Donnelly said she never thought she would be running for an elected office.
But a combination of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling that placed the abortion decision in the hands of states, and her belief that current Rep. Mike Loychik, R-Bazetta, in his first term as 63rd District rep, has not been responsive to constituents, convinced her to make a long-shot bid as an independent candidate for the 65th House District seat.
Loychik handily won the Republican nomination in the new 65th district over Randy Law of Warren Township, a former state legislator and ex-chairman of the Trumbull County Republican Party.
The 65th House District includes Cortland, Lordstown, Newton Falls, West Farmington, Bazetta, Braceville, Bristol, Brookfield, Champion, Farmington, Fowler, Greene, Gustavus, Hartford, Johnston, Kinsman, Mecca, Mesopotamia, Newton, Southington, Vernon and a part of Warren Township as well as large sections of Ashtabula County.
Donnelly, 37, of Cortland, says the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of the Roe v. Wade decision is something she never saw coming, prompting her to evaluate her responsibility to fight for issues she and those around her believe are valuable to the community and the nation.
“I will work with members of all parties to codify the protection of women’s health and safety, as well as the medical freedom, into Ohio law,” Donnelly said. “This will require much compromise but with the U.S. having one of the highest maternal death rates of high-income, developed nations surely all can see the need for safe and adequate health care for women.”
In addition to the Dobbs decision, Donnelly says she had long heard Loychik has not been listening to the concerns of people in the area.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of people — Democrats, Republicans and independents — who believe my opponent has not been responsive and considered their viewpoints,” Donnelly said.
Although she knows that, if elected, she will be serving in an Ohio House in which Republicans are in the majority, Donnelly believes she can convince her future colleagues to listen and give considerations to viewpoints with which they initially may not agree.
“My experience working in a veterinary clinic and with a law firm has given me good communication skills that will serve me well,” she said. “I can be impactful in an argument.”
As a freshman representative, Donnelly knows, if elected, she will have a lot to learn, but said she is willing to listen to all points of view.
“To legislate, people have to be willing to learn from one another and, when necessary, compromise,” she said. “I know I am eager to listen to different perspectives. I am willing to take time and energy to learn.”
In addition to working to ensure that women will continue to have the right to choose, Donnelly said she will focus a lot of her attention on school funding — making sure most of the state funding sources go to public, not private schools — and to ensure that available funds will go to infrastructure improvements in the district.
“More money should be put into upgrading our roads and bridges,” she said.
“I would like to work with others to secure funding for improvements at the (Mosquito) lake,” she said. “I’ve spoken with residents who would like to see more funding for activities.”
Donnelly has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Youngstown State University and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Kent State University. She works at the Town and Country Veterinary Hospital as a technician and the Crum and Forster Pet Health as a claims adjuster.
Loychik, a first-time Ohio House representative in the 63rd District, has served as co-chair of the Sportsmen’s Caucus for Ohio, as well as his various committee assignments.
Loychik chose not to be interviewed by this newspaper.
He served eight years in the Air Force, ending his service as a staff sergeant.
Loychik owns and operates Atlantic Pressure Washing Solutions LLC, which offers professional pressure washing and soft washing services.
A graduate of Champion High School, Loychick earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in environmental management at Columbia Southern University and is pursuing a master’s in occupational safety and health.
Jennifer Donnelly
Age: 37
Political party: Independent candidate
Occupation: Town and Country Veterinary Hospital technician and the Crum and Forster Pet Health as a claims adjuster.
Previous elected experience: None
Goals: Codify the protection of women’s health and safety, as well as the medical freedom, into Ohio law; and making sure most of the state funding sources to go to public, not private schools; secure funding for improvements at Mosquito Lake State Park.
Mike Loychik
Age: 33
Political party: Republican
Occupation: Owns and operates Atlantic Pressure Washing Solutions LLC.
Previous elected experience: In his first term as 63rd District representative.
Goals: Loychik chose not to be interviewed by this newspaper.