Gay rights icon Jim Obergefell running for the Ohio House in Sandusky district
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Gay rights icon Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the landmark 2015 case that legalized same-sex marriage across the country, is running for a seat in the Ohio House.
Obergefell, a Democrat, moved back to his hometown of Sandusky in 2021, putting him in the 89th House District currently held by Republican D.J. Swearingen.
More: 5 years after same-sex marriage ruling, Jim Obergefell's fight continues
Even if the district lines change through redistricting, Obergefell said he wants to serve his hometown of Sandusky in the Legislature.
"Knowing of the corruption in the Ohio Statehouse and my experience fighting for others and fighting for what's right, I just realized that I need to be part of making things better. I need to be part of fighting for everyone," Obergefell said. "I have to be part of making things better."
Given his national profile, Obergefell would be well-positioned to gain attention and raise serious money for his campaign.
In July 2013, Obergefell married John Arthur, who was gravely ill. Because Ohio at the time didn’t allow same-sex unions, the couple flew from their home in Cincinnati to Maryland to exchange vows.
Arthur died three months later, and Obergefell sued to be listed on the death certificate as Arthur’s husband. That case was among multiple cases involving dozens of plaintiffs argued together but Obergefell was the lead plaintiff, meaning the case bore his name.
Beyond gay marriage, Obergefell said he went to the U.S. Supreme Court to fight for equal justice under the law.
"It wasn't just about John and our marriage. It was about our ability to fully participate in society and that's what I want for the people of this district and everyone across Ohio. I want everyone to have the ability to fully participate in society and in the economy," he said.
Following the 5-4 ruling, Obergefell received rock star status in the LGBTQ communities. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nationwide there are 568,000 same-sex married couples, including 31,500 in Ohio.
If Obergefell wins the seat, he would be one of just two openly gay politicians to serve in the Ohio General Assembly in state history. State Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, is the only current state lawmaker who is openly gay.
Obergefell, 55, is a former teacher, software consultant, realtor and longtime Cincinnati resident. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and holds a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. Although he lived most of his adult life in Cincinnati, he moved back to his hometown of Sandusky in 2021 to be closer to family.
If elected, Obergefell said he wants to focus on job opportunities for residents of Erie and Ottawa counties, access to quality health care and protecting Lake Erie, which he noted is a natural treasure and economic driver.
And, of course, he said he would fully back the Ohio Equality Act, which would explicitly prohibit discrimination in jobs, housing and public places based on sexual orientation or gender equality. The bill has failed to win approval, despite being introduced in every legislative session for more than a decade.
When asked what his message is to gay Ohioans who don't feel the state is welcoming, Obergefell said: "I understand why people might be worried about Ohio when it comes to that but just keep the faith. You'll have people like me fighting for you in the statehouse to make it better."
Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Gay rights icon Jim Obergefell to run for Ohio House
