Two candidates running state House District 66 Republican primary

Aidan C. Haggard, 19 Education: He is studying political science and classical education. Family: He has two brothers, two loving parents and a rescued black Lab named Paisley. Job history: He has worked as a legal assistant in the Ashland County Prosecutors' Office since August 2024. Website: Haggardforohio.com or on social media @haggardforohio. Sean M. Hutson, 39 Education: He has a bachelor of arts from Heidelberg College, a master of arts from Ohio University and a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. Family: He is married to Laura Hutson. Job History: He has served as an assistant county prosecutor in Medina County, an attorney at Harrison & Hutson LLC, the manager of government relations for the American Motorcyclist Association and a legislative aide for the office of former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl. Website: seanhutson.com. Sean Hutson is running against Aidan Haggard in the Republican primary for the Ohio House District 66 seat. Incumbent Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, opted not to run for re-election. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Christopher Nardo, who is running unopposed in the primary, and Libertarian Justin Peroli in November. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Haggard: "I was raised in this district, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm not running to build a political resume; I'm running because Medina County is my home and I intend to keep it that way. I have no debts to Columbus insiders, no obligations to the party machine and no outside money calling the shots. My contract with Medina County has five planks, starting with abolishing property taxes on your home and eliminating the state income tax, replaced by a system that actually funds our community. Every endorsement I hold: Ohio Gun Owners, End Abortion Ohio, the MAHA Caucus, I earned on principle, not politics." Hutson: "I have significant experience as an attorney working in both private practice and the public sector as well as serving as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill. Additionally, as a graduate of Cloverleaf High School and a board member on three nonprofit boards in Medina County, I have a deep understanding of the district. This provides me with knowledge of the key issues facing our district and the state and the resources to identify solutions using available resources." What is the biggest challenge facing the district, and how would you address it? Haggard: "Property taxes are taking homes from families who spent their lives earning them. Seniors on fixed incomes, young families starting out, all taxed every year on something they already own. The Ohio Supreme Court declared this system unconstitutional four times. Columbus never fixed it. I will fight to abolish property taxes on Ohio homes and replace them with a system that funds communities without punishing homeownership. I put property tax relief in my contract with Medina in February, my opponent didn't mention it until it polled well. I started with a freeze for seniors. Now I'm going further: full abolition." Hutson: "Affordability is the biggest issue facing Medina County and its residents. As a starting point, we need to find ways to reduce property taxes without cutting funding to first responders and schools, so Medina County remains a safe and quality place to live and work. This can be done by empowering local governments and schools to collaborate and experiment to deliver the services that Medina County residents have come to expect in a more efficient manner." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.