In Ohio’s March 19 primary election, Democratic candidate for Ohio state representative and Baldwin Wallace University alumnus Chris Glassburn secured the Democratic nomination against his opponent, TJ Mulloy, for the 15th House District. 

The 15th House District, currently held by Democrat Richard Dell’Aquila, was redistricted out of this new district, leaving the seat up for grabs over Brooklyn, Brook Park, Linndale, parts of Cleveland,  parts of Olmsted Township and North Olmsted. 

While a Democrat currently holds the seat, the Ohio State legislature is held by a Republican majority, leading Glassburn to make it his goal to make a difference regardless of minority status.

 Glassburn has maintained communications with Bride Rose Sweeney, the Democratic Ohio State Representative representing Berea, throughout his political career. Glassburn used her as an example of a Democrat who can make change. 

“She’s been evidence that, even in a minority, Democrats can make a big difference,” Glassburn said. 

Glassburn said he hopes to stand in the way of attacks against people’s rights from the legislature. 

“We should be standing in the way of any further attacks on women and LGBT rights infringements and voting rights infringements,” Glassburn said. “I hope the Democrats can stop that in terms of continuing to work with Republicans in the state house.”

Glassburn has been engaged in state and local politics since leaving BW, going on to serve as a North Olmsted Councilman and former Ohio State House Representative. 

Glassburn graduated from BW with a degree in history, choosing this major because he wanted to learn “how to govern,” and “what went right or wrong” in the history of politics. Throughout his time on campus, Glassburn was also a member of the WBWC radio station.

Sweeney said that Glassburn’s mentorship has been a huge contributor to her political success. 

“His experience is what has allowed me to be so successful…I’ve passed more bills than any other Democrat, more than plenty of other Republicans,” Sweeney said. “Part of that is my approach and having good mentors like Chris.” 

Sweeney also said she looks forward to having someone like Glassburn in the state legislature, who is focused on action. 

“We have to work with Republicans to get things done, and he’s willing to do that for the betterment of his district,” Sweeney said. “Chris is going to be a fighter. He will not back down.” 

His two colleagues, President of Council Lou Brossard and Councilman Chris Scarl also said that Glassburn chooses to work diligently on what he cares about and they will be sad to see him relinquish his seat on the council. 

“What I like about Chris is that he’s not afraid to ask the tough questions,” Brossard said. “He’s not afraid to dig, but yet he still works very collaboratively within our group and with the administration.” 

“He’s one of the most knowledgeable people that I’ve come across that knows about the city, state, and federal laws,” Scarl said. “He is well versed. Him being the chairman of our finance committee has turned our city around.” 

Scarl said that while Glassburn will be missed at the city level, he expects great things from him at the state level. 

“I think he’s going to be great when he gets to the State House,” Scarl said. “We will hate to lose him at city council, but in the long run, he’ll do great things for us at the state level.” 

Glassburn has previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives and said that, while he was there, he was able to get a lot done and anticipates more successes in the future should he get elected. 

“What we’ve seen Bride and some of the House Democrats be able to do, especially in the last two years, makes a big difference,” Glassburn said. 

Glassburn said that he passed a bill allowing children to stay on their parent’s health care until age 26, but admits that he had the majority in the House to pass it. 

Nonetheless, Glassburn remained optimistic that legislatures can serve their local communities while in the state house. 

“Even in the minority, Representative Sweeney was able to pass changes in school funding that have brought actual additional dollars to districts like North Olmsted and Brook Park,” Glassburn said.  

Sweeney said that she looks forward to working with Glassburn and that the state legislature needs somebody like him. 

Glassburn will face off against Republican and Brooklyn city council member Aaron Borowski in the November general election later this year.