Bellevue mayor endorses Rachel Crooks for House seat

BELLEVUE, OH — Bellevue Mayor Kevin Strecker (I) announced his endorsement of Rachel Crooks, the Democratic candidate for the District 88 seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, on Saturday at a campaign fundraiser at Chateau Tebeau Vineyard & Winery in Helena. Ms. Crooks will be challenging Bill Reineke in the November midterm election. District 88 includes all of Sandusky County and a majority of Seneca County.

“Rachel is an effective advocate for social justice, voting rights, acceptance, economic opportunity and gender equity,” said Strecker. “She has extensive experience in education and will clearly be an advocate for our students and future generations, parents and grandparents. Further, she understands the needs and wants of our laborers and farmers.”

Strecker is a lifelong resident of Bellevue who was previously a registered Republican. He changed his affiliation to Independent and won his mayoral election against a Republican incumbent, beginning his tenure in 2016. Mayor Strecker previously served Bellevue as a city councilperson and council president.

“I am grateful to have the support of Mayor Strecker who has proven to be an instrumental and well-liked local leader,” Crooks stated. “I admire the good work he has done in his community and look forward to working together as the next State Representative for the district.”

Mayor Strecker stated at the fundraiser for Crooks, “I encourage you to vote for Rachel Crooks for Ohio House District 88. As a registered Independent I am not swayed by party affiliation. Only an understanding of the candidates allows me to make my decision. I believe no one will outwork, be more fair or resolute in their approach to this important state position than Rachel Crooks. Rachel will consistently factor in what is best for the residents of her district.”

Also in attendance at Saturday’s event showing support for candidate Crooks was Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, David Pepper, as well as the last Democrat to serve the district in the Ohio House of Representatives, Dwight Wise. Mr. Wise served for 11 years from 1983-1994. If Crooks is successful in her November bid for the seat, she will be the first Democrat to serve since Mr. Wise, and the first female to ever represent the district in Columbus.

Crooks has also received endorsements from the following organizations: the Ohio Education Association, Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, Ohio Association of Public School Employees, EMILY’s List, Run For Something, Matriots, MoveOn, BlueAmerica PAC, Launch Progress PAC, Planned Parenthood, and People for the American Way. Her campaign was also given the Gun Sense Candidate Distinction by Moms Demand Action.