Hoops, Riedel compete for local Ohio Senate seat

FINDLAY — Two experienced state representatives are vying for the Republican nomination for the open 1st Senate District seat, with the incumbent, state Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), set to leave office at the end of the term. McColley, who was appointed to the Senate in 2017, is term-limited. He has been named as the running mate for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The candidates, James M. Hoops of Napoleon, and Craig S. Riedel of Defiance, are both touting their records. Ohio's 1st Senate District covers a broad stretch of Northwest Ohio. It includes Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Henry, Williams, Defiance, Paulding and Van Wert counties, along with portions of Fulton, Logan and Auglaize counties. Early in-person absentee voting for the May 5 primary election begins Tuesday. Independent candidates for the November ballot may still file petitions until May 4, and write-in candidates have until Aug. 24 under Ohio's election calendar. Hoops currently represents Ohio House District 81, which covers Defiance, Henry and Fulton counties and part of Williams County. He returned to the House in 2017 after previously serving from 1999 to 2006. A former county auditor, he said his top priority is addressing rising costs for families, particularly through property tax reform and reducing the size of government. Hoops said he has spent years working with school leaders, county and township officials, and residents across Northwest Ohio on property tax issues. He said the state has already passed five bills aimed at creating more transparency and preventing sudden tax spikes, and he co-sponsored one of them. "We need a system that works for everyone," he said, adding that he does not want to see anyone lose their home because they cannot afford their taxes. He also pointed to energy access as a growing concern for the region, saying northwest Ohio needs expanded grid capacity and affordable power to support manufacturing and future economic development. Without those investments, he said, job growth will stall. Hoops said his experience in the legislature has prepared him to continue delivering results for the district. He pointed to his work on capital budgets, his involvement in property tax legislation, and his efforts to promote accountability in state government. "I'm focused on getting things done and making sure our region continues to move forward," he said. More information about Hoops can be found on his campaign website: www.jimhoops.com. Craig S. Riedel, of Defiance, is a former state representative who served from 2017 to 2022. A retired engineer and business manager, he said his private-sector background shapes his approach to state policy. "I believe that Columbus needs leadership with a private-sector background," he said. Riedel said his priorities include eliminating the state income tax, reforming the property tax system, and reducing what he describes as wasteful spending in state government. He pointed to concerns about fraud in state-funded programs and said he believes Ohio needs stronger oversight of public dollars. He also said he would continue to support conservative social policies, including restrictions on transgender participation in girls' sports, which he framed as protecting opportunities for female athletes. More information about Riedel can be found on his campaign website: www.craigriedel.com. There is no contested primary for House District 83, which overlaps with the Senate district and includes portions of Hancock, Hardin and Logan counties. Republican incumbent Ty Mathews is running unopposed for his party's nomination, and Democrat Sheila Coressel is the lone Democratic candidate.