This post was originally posted to The Full Slate Project blog. To enlarge any of the images in this post see the original post by clicking here.
District 2 in the Ohio House comprises all of Richland County. Richland County is a largely rural county in Northern Ohio between Columbus and Cleveland on the lake. The largest population center in the County is Mansfield. I know for my family on drives up to Cleveland or other parts of Northeastern Ohio the Mansfield exits provided a must needed rest point.
This seat is held by Republican Mark Romanchuk who first won the seat last year. This seat has been challenged by a Democrat in each of the last two cycles. It is a tough district for Democrats for sure, but if we back them up, headway could certainly be made here. The data does reveal opportunities to grow support for sure.
QUICK LOOK DISTRICT 2 ELECTION PROFILE
- Residents: 123,387
- Registered Voters 2016: 81,942
- Total Vote in 2016: 56,106
- 2016 Turnout Rate: 68%
- Total Republican Vote 2016: 36,168
- Total Democratic Vote 2016: 15,725
- Registered Voters 2014: 88,834
- Total Vote in 2014: 27,297
- 2014 Turnout Rate: 38%
- Total Republican Vote 2014: 22,615
- Total Democratic Vote 2014: 9,741
There are 85 precincts in Richland County and District 2. When I began profiling districts for state legislative races I began with Virginia. Most of their districts have 20 to 30 precincts. Given the large volume of precincts in Ohio I will be doing a few overall summary slides and then some breakouts. Admittedly the breakouts are a touch arbitrary, so bear that in mind as you go further.