Former Ohio Rep. Craig Riedel, a Republican, has announced his candidacy for 2024 for Ohio Congressional District 9 Friday afternoon.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — Former Ohio House Representative Craig Riedel, a Republican from Defiance, has announced his candidacy for national office in 2024. Riedel plans to run against incumbent candidate Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat, in the Congressional District 9 of Ohio.
“I am a true Northwest Ohio conservative,” said Riedel, who spoke at Friday’s Allen County Republican Luncheon. “We are going to win this race then I will be the voice in D.C. for all the folks in Northwest Ohio.”
According to Ballotpedia, Riedel served in the 82nd District of the Ohio House of Representatives. He took office in January 2017. He finished his last term in December.
He previously ran for the same congressional seat in 2022, narrowly finishing second in the primary to J.R. Majewski, who lost in the general election to Kaptur.
Other candidates running in the 2024 Republican primary for the 9th district include former Walbridge Mayor Daniel Wilczynski and Steve Lankenau.
Riedel said he believes in a limited government, fiscal responsibility and free market principles.
“I was blessed to serve three terms in the Ohio General Assembly,” said Riedel. “I was a state representative for six years, and for the 82nd House District. At the time when I was representing it, it was Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert and about half of Auglaize County. Representative (Susan) Manchester and I shared Auglaize County.”
Riedel also shared his conservative values and his faith. Riedel said he believes his boldness is the reason he had the opportunity to speak in front of others.
“I am not afraid to talk about our Lord and every day I try and glorify him,” said Riedel. “I believe that is why he put me right in front of you here today.”
Congressional District 9 encompasses all of Defiance, Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Erie counties, and a small section of Wood County. Although Riedel will not represent Allen County, he said he hopes for support.
“Without question, there are a lot of people here that have family and friends that live in that area around Toledo and Sandusky. My hope is that the good people here will take the message back and talk to their families and friends and say ‘get behind Craig Riedel he is the one who is going to get it done’.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
