Nathan Manning wins reelection as state senator in Ohio's 13th District

Nathan Manning will serve another term as state senator in Ohio's 13th District. "It's always a nerve-wracking night," the North Ridgeville Republican said about 10:30 p.m., with a clear victory under his belt and only a few votes left uncounted. Manning defeated challenger Anthony Eliopoulos, D-Lorain, by roughly 58 percent to 42 percent based on complete totals from Erie and Huron counties and with 202 of 203 precincts reporting in Lorain County as of press time. The available count late Tuesday was 71,625 to 51,960. All results are unofficial until certified by all three county election boards. Eliopoulos saw the writing on the wall about 9 p.m. and called Manning to concede. After holding an advantage with early voters, Eliopoulos said it quickly became apparent the final tally would swing to Manning. Both candidates said national issues weighed heavily on voters' minds. Manning said rising prices and fear of a recession were foremost in constituents' minds as he campaigned, while Eliopoulos said the prospect of losing abortion rights was the top issue raised with him, especially among women voters. Manning said he found "passionate people on all sides of these issues," but admitted that being the incumbent likely benefited him most. "At the end of the day, knocking doors and talking to people, I think it was the familiarity with me, name recognition, knowing I've been there," he said. In the next four years, Manning said he wants to help develop Ohio's workforce and provide constituents with access to in-demand jobs. He also wants to pass a criminal justice bill that gives convicted Ohioans a second chance. As Manning returns to Columbus, Eliopoulos will head to the Middle East. He will be deployed Nov. 30 with the Army National Guard. "I'm looking forward to serving my country overseas, and when I come back I'm going to serve my community in any way I can, whether that's running again or trying something else," Eliopoulos said. Jason Hawk can be reached at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.