UD alumnus announces campaign for Ohio House of Representatives
Michelle Teska. Courtesy of Michelle Teska 2024 website.
Lucy Waskiewicz | News Editor
University of Dayton alumnus Michelle Teska has announced her 2024 campaign for state representative of Ohio’s 55th House District.
Born and raised in Dayton, Teska graduated from UD with a degree in communication and media studies. She’s since built a career marked by positions at local media outlets, including 2 years with WDTN and 23 with Cox Media Group Ohio. Now, she and her husband co-own Golden Heart Senior Care of Dayton, where she serves as president.
Teska plans to run in the Republican primary on March 19, 2024 and will seek to replace current State Representative Scott Lipps (R), who endorsed Teska’s campaign. Other supporters include Warren Co. Right to Life, Conservative Republican Leadership Committee, former Montgomery County Sheriff and current State Representative Phil Plummer, and State Senator Steve Wilson.
Teska describes herself as a conservative. At the forefront of her campaign is the protection and development of small businesses like her own.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and I am a staunch advocate for their growth and success,” Teska said. “As representative, I will work tirelessly to reduce bureaucratic red tape that hinders small business growth.”
Teska also said lowering taxes is crucial for the continued growth of small businesses.
Other campaign interests include pro-life efforts and the right to bear arms. Teska’s pro-life stance comes at a critical moment for Ohio reproductive legislation, as Issue 1 is set to be voted upon on Nov. 7, 2023.
Issue 1, officially titled “The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety,” states that “Every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing one’s own pregnancy, miscarriage care, and abortion.”
If passed, Issue 1 would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution, reestablishing the reproductive rights of Ohioans that existed before the overturn of Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
“As a conservative, I hold a deep-seated commitment to the sanctity of life,” Teska stated. “I will continue to support Pro-Life organizations and I have actively been involved in educating Ohioans on voting NO for Issue 1 this November.”
Veterans’ interests are also included in Teska’s campaign. As co-chair of the Dayton-area Ford Oval of Honor at the Air Force Museum, she annually honors local veterans for their service to the nation. At the last ceremony in July, a Vietnam War veteran and two World War II veterans were recognized.
“Our veterans, the true guardians of our freedom, have made unparalleled sacrifices for our nation,” Teska said. “ As state representative, I will work with local veterans’ organizations to make sure resources are available to them.”
If nominated, Teska will be the Republican candidate for Ohio’s 55th House district at the Ohio House of Representatives general elections on Nov. 5, 2024. The district represents an area between Dayton and Cincinnati and includes the cities of Springboro and Franklin. It is one of Ohio’s 99 total House districts, each with an elected representative who speaks for the citizens in their jurisdiction.
“State representatives listen to the concerns of their constituents and speak for them,” the Ohio House of Representatives website states. “They develop solutions to the needs of their districts through legislative action.”
Representatives attend meetings of their local civic, religious and business organizations and speak with individuals to determine public opinion and create proposals to change state law. Proposals, prepared as bills, are reviewed by the state House, Senate and Governor before becoming law.
As of October, Republicans control the Ohio House for the 13th year in a row by a margin of 66 representatives to 32 Democratic representatives, with one vacancy.
Ohio state representatives serve two-year terms and have a limit of four terms total, or eight years. Lipps’ current term is his fourth, making him ineligible for reelection.
Candidates seeking nomination for the State House of Representatives must submit a petition with the votes of at least 50 electors of their same party. The deadline to submit a petition and declare candidacy for the 2024 election is December 20, 2023.
Teska’s website summarizes her campaign goal as “Restoring Values and the American Dream.”
“I have passionately dedicated my time and effort to values that are fundamental to our nation: faith, family and freedom” she said. “I am proud to stand as a Pro-Constitution advocate, believing in the enduring principles of our Constitution.”
You can read more about Teska’s campaign at teska2024.com.