Gavarone to seek another term next year

SANDUSKY — State Sen. Theresa Gavarone isn't wasting any time announcing that she wants another four-year term in the Ohio Senate. With the next general election more than a year away, Gavarone announced Monday she will see re-election in 2024. "I am running for re-election because I know there is much more that I can do to further solidify northern Ohio's standing as the best place to live, work and raise a family," Gavarone said. "I want to build upon our many successes that include reducing taxes, cutting burdensome rules and regulations, and defending our Constitutional rights." Gavarone joined the Senate in 2019 to replace Randy Gardner, who has been named chancellor for Ohio's higher education system. She won a four-year term in 2020, getting about 62% of the vote. Gavarone ran for Congress last year, hoping to challenge Ninth District U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, but finished third in the GOP primary, behind J.R. Majewski, who became the nominee, and former state Rep Craig Riedel. Majewski went on to lose to Kaptur in the general election. Gavarone's District 2 in the Ohio Senate contains all or part of Erie, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood Counties. The primary will be March 19, 2024, with the general election on Nov. 5, 2024. Gavarone's current legislation includes a proposed state question requiring a 60% supermajority for passage of state questions and a measure to create a new mental health profession degree program and certified mental health assistants to relieve the shortage of mental health professionals in Ohio. Gavarone and her husband, Jim, live in Bowling Green and have three children. Gavarone is an attorney and she and her husband own the Mr. Spots restaurant in Bowling Green.