11/06/2024
Democracy is a great experiment. It is often messy, complicated, steps forward, steps back. But God willing, it will endure. I acknowledge at the start of this statement that there are national implications far outweighing anything I will say, and yet, I do want to take a moment to say on behalf of our race: thank you.
We started this effort all the way back in 2022, when LGBTQ+ kids were being attacked in resolutions at the State Board of Education. I sat beside the Executive Director at the time of Honesty for Ohio Education, who said to me, "if there was ever a time to run for State Board, it is right now."
Through this campaign we knocked well over 10,000+ doors, not counting our friends in political parties and labor. We secured endorsements from dozens of leaders, parties, unions, and organizations representing the things I truly believe in. We mailed tens of thousands of cards. We held events, we built community, we encouraged one another, and we kept it positive amid forces who were scared of electing someone like me to the State Board.
In the end, we earned nearly 100,000 votes. We won Fairfield County. We nearly won a few more. In my beloved lifelong home of Franklin County, the people who know me supported me: Prairie Township, Grove City, the Short North, Downtown, German Village, Old Town East, Bexley, Westerville, and other precincts all throughout the county. If gerrymandering wasn't a thing, we would have done even better. We still need to fix that, Ohio.
THANK YOU. Thanks to every person who volunteered, donated, got involved, or voted. I am sharing some pictures of those who represented my village in this effort, and I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. I have no regrets that we did everything we could, spent every penny we raised, and left it absolutely all on the field. I truly wish Cathye Flory success on the State Board, and I hope Chris Orban will continue speaking out at the Statehouse.
Let me turn back as I close to where I began. To every child in every ZIP Code, no matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve the same toolbox to build your dreams. Our world owes you nothing less than that. Especially to those in my beloved LGBTQ+ community - you belong and are worthy. I won't ever stop fighting to leave us a better world - and I hope you'll continue to join me.
With love and appreciation, yours in service,
David Donofrio