Experienced Democrats vie to represent 53rd District in Ohio House of Representatives

Matt Lundy Age: 66 Party: Democratic Education: B.S. human resource management – Friends University (Wichita, KS) Job history: Former TV journalist, former state representative, Lorain County commissioner and city councilman, former Elyria safety service director and Grafton Library community outreach coordinator Family: Not married Website: mattlundy.com Dan Nutt Age: 41 Party: Democratic Education: Marion L. Steele High School; Lorain County Community College - Kent State University partnership Job history: Small business owner, real estate investor, former Lorain city councilman and current chief deputy auditor for Lorain Family: Lifelong Lorain County resident Website: Dannutt.com Two county residents with extensive experience in local government are competing in the Democratic primary to represent Ohio's 53rd District in the state House of Representatives. Matt Lundy of Avon Lake and Dan Nutt of Lorain are both seeking the chance to succeed District 53 state Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, who is running for state Senate in 2026. The Ohio House of Representatives 53rd District represents Lorain, Amherst, Avon Lake, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake and a portion of Sheffield Township. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Lundy: I have earned the reputation for being a moderate and responsible leader. During the toughest of times, I have worked to be the voice of reason and to advocate for fair and responsible decisions to help our families and community. Over the years, I have held "Lundy Listens" town hall meetings because I know that I work for the taxpayers and want to hear their concerns. I believe listening and being accountable to you is the way that government should work. I am committed to reducing the tax burden on our families. Nutt: It's time to move beyond politics as usual and toward leadership that understands today's challenges and is ready to build tomorrow's opportunities. My background as a small business owner, real estate investor and public servant gives me firsthand insight into how policies affect working families and local employers because I've experienced it from both sides. We need to move forward, not backward, and I'm ready to fight for practical solutions, accountability and a government that works for our families, with real-world experience and a focus on results. What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it? Lundy: Politicians in Columbus are making life in Ohio unaffordable for our families. To reduce property taxes, we will hold Columbus accountable to properly fund our schools and end "unconstitutional" funding. Also, Columbus has cut Local Government Funds in half. We will hold Columbus accountable to restore this funding and to stop shifting the tax burden on us for what our communities and libraries need. Also, corporations need to pay their fair share. It is not fair that the tax burden is shouldered by us. Decisions in Columbus are driving up our taxes and this must stop. Nutt: The biggest challenge is affordability. Rising rents, higher mortgage rates, increasing property taxes and stagnating wages are putting real pressure on families. Property taxes are directly tied to how we fund our schools, and the state must restructure the voucher system to stop siphoning resources away from public education. We need real property tax relief and a budget that prioritizes fully funding our schools. How we spend our tax dollars reflects our values, and it's time we invest in our communities, not shift the burden onto working families.