Ohio’s primary elections have ended, marking the first election with the newly adopted Ohio Redistricting Commission map. In October 2025, the approved map changed Athens County’s district from 12th to 2nd.
The Associated Press reported Democrat Jen Mazzuckelli and Republican David Taylor as the 2nd District candidates for the general election in the fall.
Across the 19 Ohio District primaries, four democratic candidates and 10 republican candidates ran uncontested. However, neither Mazzuckelli nor Taylor ran uncontested; Mazzuckelli gained 53% of democratic votes, and Taylor gained 75% of republican votes.
Taylor won just over 25% of Republican votes during his last primary election, which led to his current role as Ohio’s 2nd District congressman
On Friday, Taylor appeared on a talk showto discuss how the primary season had gone well for Republicans. Taylor believes conservative voters often compare the candidate to the candidate they wish they had, rather than their opponent.
“The comparison should be between the absolute lunacy of the left and the conservative candidate in your district,” Taylor said.
Mazzuckelli, however, emphasizes her acceptance of diversity in the district as a key part of her campaign.
“Unlike Congressman Dave Taylor, Jen will represent all residents in District Two regardless of their age, gender, race, national origin and party affiliation,” according to Mazzuckelli’s website.
Mazzuckelli also criticized Taylor’s acceptance of funding through political action committees for his campaign and concrete business, Taylor’s Concrete Solutions.
In September 2024, President Donald Trump endorsed Taylor’s campaign.
“As a very successful businessman, David knows how to fight inflation, grow the economy, lower taxes and eliminate government waste,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post
In contrast, Mazzuckelli posted a TikTok in April, celebrating those involved in the No Kings Protest, a nationwide movement protesting actions by Trump and his administration.
Although the differences between the two candidates’ positions on the current presidential administration are apparent, both share common goals and values.
Jerrod Christian, an Ohio University alumnus and a Democrat running to represent Ohio’s 12th District, emphasized working together in politics for the greater good.
According to Christian, the algorithms currently produced have polarized voters and politicians through preconceived notions of one another.
“You can’t look at an entire group of people and judge them based off of one trait,” Christian said. “I think that the values that an individual holds are more important than whatever party they claim to be a part of.”
Taylor wants to prioritize American workers by creating more American industry jobs.
“Congress needs to unleash American energy to further invigorate our economy by utilizing an all-of-the-above approach, including fossil fuel production and investing in nuclear energy. This will not only invigorate our economy but help combat the rising costs that have come with inflation,” according to Taylor’s website.
Similarly, in an NPR survey, Mazzuckelli mentions the economic issues that she plans to research and solve.
“The war is adding to the deficit exponentially,” Mazzuckelli wrote. “Inflation rates and the unemployment rates are increasing. Job growth is decreasing. Many industries that relied on immigrant labor are struggling due to the mass deportations."
Christian highlighted the American people can hold power through researching and voting for candidates without party bias.
“It’s the only way that we can drive change in this nation,” Christian said.
