February 24, 2026

OEC Action Fund Endorses 19 Climate Leaders for State Legislature 

For Immediate Release  

February 24, 2026 

Contact: 

Karlena Wallace, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund 

media@theoec.org, 614-487-7506

OEC Action Fund Endorses 19 Climate Leaders for State Legislature 

COLUMBUS, OH — Today, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund announced its endorsement of 19 candidates running for state office in the March Primary Election. As Ohio continues to face mounting environmental and public health challenges, the OEC Action Fund is proud to support leaders who are committed to advancing bold climate action and securing meaningful investments that protect the health, safety, and well-being of Ohio’s communities and natural resources. 

The OEC Action Fund looks forward to working alongside these candidates to advance a healthy, sustainable, and resilient future for all Ohioans. 

View all 2026 endorsements on our website. 

The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Pete Bucher, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund: 

“Ohioans deserve strong leadership at the Statehouse—leaders who will champion meaningful climate action, protect our air and water, preserve healthy public lands, and strengthen our democracy. The 19 candidates we are endorsing have demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing bold, forward‑looking policies that safeguard Ohio’s environment for future generations while promoting environmental justice in every community across the state.” 

Endorsed Candidates for State Legislature Include: 

OHIO HOUSE: 

District 1: Dontavius L. Jarrells  

District 4: Beryl Brown Piccolantonio  

District 5: Meredith R. Lawson-Rowe  

District 6: Christine Cockley 

District 8: Anita Somani 

District 10: Mark Sigrist 

District 11: Crystal Lett  

District 13: Tristan Rader  

District 15: Chris Glassburn  

District 21: Eric Synenberg  

District 23: Daniel P. Troy  

District 25: Cecil Thomas  

District 27: Rachel Baker  

District 28: Karen Brownlee  

District 34: Derrick Hall  

District 38: Desiree Tims  

District 41: Erika White  

District 43: Michele Grim 

OHIO SENATE:

District 21: Kent Smith

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The OEC Action Fund seeks to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.