The state of Ohio is on its way to making history this November, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Former Ohio House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty, who is black, won narrowly in a four-candidate Democratic primary for the newly redrawn 3rd District, which encompasses much of Columbus and nearby Franklin County. She prevailed over former Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy; state Rep. Ted Celeste, the brother of a former Ohio governor; and city Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson. Beatty also received the endorsement of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman.
"We started out this campaign saying we would get out there and take our message to all of the people in the district," said Beatty. "We'd run a good campaign and talk about jobs and be that new voice. I think that resonated with people."
The 61-year-old is expected to defeat Republican Councilman Chris Long in November, which would then mark the first time Ohio has two African-American members of Congress at the same time. Beatty would join Rep. Marcia Fudge, who is serving her third term.
In 2008 Barack Obama carried roughly two-thirds of the district that Beatty will represent, according to the National Journal. We look forward to history being made this November.
Read more at the Columbus Dispatch.
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