LaRose to run against Pelanda in Republican Primary for Secretary of State

Republican State. Sen. Frank LaRose has announced he is running for Ohio Secretary of State.

LaRose, 38, of Hudson, said in statement Wednesday he is running because he believes in “the power of free elections.”

“I believe our elected leaders must aspire to civility, find common ground and work together while still upholding their deeply held beliefs,” LaRose said. “As a principled conservative, I have endeavored to work with my colleagues on opposing sides of an issue while holding true to my core beliefs.”

The Secretary of State is responsible for overseeing Ohio’s elections and processing business filings. Current Secretary of State Jon Husted is term-limited, and is running for governor instead.

The Columbus Dispatch first reported LaRose’s long-expected candidacy Tuesday night. The story appeared just hours after Kent Democratic State Rep. Kathleen Clyde announced her own bid for Secretary of State.

LaRose’s bid sets up a Republican primary against Central Ohio State Rep. Dorothy Pelanda, who announced her candidacy for Secretary of State in March.

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