A Letter to Republican Voters

You might find it surprising to receive a letter from a Democratic candidate, especially one who is also a trans woman, reaching out to Republican voters. I understand that our paths don’t often cross, particularly in today’s polarized climate. However, I’m asking you to hear me out because I come with genuine intent. I’m not here to talk down to you or launch attacks—I simply want to share a few thoughts for your consideration.

I’m running as the Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives in the 84th district against the current Republican incumbent, Rep. Angie King. If you’re satisfied with her performance and the direction she’s taking, I won’t try to change your mind. But if you’re a Republican or Republican-leaning independent looking for a better option, please read on.

Rep. King has been in office for nearly two years. During this time, she has aligned herself with the most extreme elements of your party. She stood just yards away from Neo-Nazis at a Pride event—a fact she took a month to denounce. She introduced a controversial drag bill, signed onto numerous anti-LGBTQ measures, and supported a tax change that raised taxes on low and middle-class families while giving a $4,000 cut to Ohio’s wealthiest. She’s also criticized public schools for attempting to pass a levy, even though the Mercer County Republican Chair took her to task for this stance. Meanwhile, she’s redirected school funding to private institutions and taken credit for projects made possible by federal legislation her party opposed. Essentially, she’s been preoccupied with culture wars that do little to address the real needs of our community or your wallet.

Angie is well-connected, and unless a strong Republican challenger emerges, the only way to remove her is through a general election defeat. That’s where you come in.

From the outset, I’ve been open to working with Republicans on shared values, both locally and at the Statehouse. While I won’t support anti-LGBTQ legislation, I am committed to tackling issues that impact everyone, including improving eldercare, reforming housing, ensuring fair school funding, reducing energy costs, expanding technical education, and capping insulin costs. I am eager to listen to ideas from all sides and work towards meaningful compromises to make progress for Ohioans. I firmly believe that politicians who adopt an all-or-nothing approach often end up achieving nothing.

If you elect me to the Statehouse, you’ll have two years to judge whether I deliver on my promises. If I fall short, you can vote me out and try again. Importantly, your vote this November is completely confidential. It won’t affect your party registration, and even the election workers won’t know how you voted. You have the chance to send a powerful message to both parties about focusing on real issues. Electing me from a deep red district would certainly make them take notice and force them to pay attention to what truly matters.

Thank you for considering my perspective and for taking the time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

Arienne Childrey