Connie Pillich announces campaign for Ohio governor
Connie Pillich, a former Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 28th District (Cincinnati), has announced her candidacy for Ohio governor in the 2018 campaign.
She was the Democratic candidate for Ohio state treasurer in 2014.
Pillich is the third Democrat to enter the governor's race, following announcements by Ohio Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni and former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton.
"An Air Force veteran, a state legislator, and a mother, Pillich has built her career around the belief that hard work, common sense, and a commitment to getting things done are the foundation for delivering positive change," according to her campaign website.
Pillich spent eight years on active duty in the Air Force, where she served in support of Operation Desert Storm. She is a three-time recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal earning the rank of captain.
After serving in the Air Force and receiving her MBA, Pillich worked as a public defender and later opened a law practice where she fought for middle class families and communities.
If elected as governor, Pillich said she "will take the lessons she learned as a captain in the U.S. Air Force to provide the progressive and unflinching leadership Ohioans need to improve our schools, rebuild our infrastructure, and bring back the industry and jobs that can support a family."
As a state representative, Pillich worked with Democrats and Republicans in support of military service members by introducing bipartisan legislation to connect veterans to their benefits, help military families meet the financial challenges of military transfers, and help veterans and their families get back to work.
She lives in Montgomery with her husband, Paul Forshey, and their children, Kayla and Tallin.
She has been a guest speaker for the Highland County Democratic Party and the Highland County Democratic Women’s Club, noted Highland County Democratic Party chairperson Dinah Phillips.