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Staff Writer
Heather Hill, a businesswoman from Appalachian, Ohio, has announced her candidacy for governor in 2026. Hill, a Republican, is focusing her campaign on improving opportunities for all Ohioans, including African American communities.
Who Is Heather Hill?
Hill lives in Morgan County and owns a business that renovates homes for low-income families. She has served as president of the Morgan Local School Board and worked with several state organizations. Her real estate and community leadership background has influenced her platform, emphasizing housing, education, and economic development in underserved areas.
Why Is She Running?
Hill’s decision to enter the race stems from a personal tragedy: two of her foster children were fatally shot by police in separate incidents. Since then, she has worked to improve understanding between law enforcement and individuals with mental health challenges. She believes better communication and community programs can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“I know the pain many Ohio families go through, and I want to help,” Hill said. “We need leaders who will listen to people, no matter where they come from.”
What Are Her Key Policies?
Hill describes herself as a conservative and supports:
- Small businesses
- Parental rights in education
- Gun rights
- Job training programs
- Increased access to homeownership
- Improved schools in both urban and rural areas
She believes these initiatives can create new opportunities for African Americans, particularly in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, where economic and educational challenges persist.
How Could Hill Impact Ohio Politics?
In the 2022 Ohio gubernatorial election, the voter demographics were as follows:
- White voters: 84%
- Black voters: 12%
- Latino voters: 2%
The majority of white voters (67%) supported the Republican candidate, while most Black voters backed the Democrat (32% supported the Republican candidate). Hill’s ability to connect with diverse communities will be crucial in the election.
These numbers show that African American voters in Ohio have mostly supported Democrats in past elections. Hill’s ideas on better schools, job training, and homeownership could appeal to Black voters, but she will need to connect with these communities and show how her plans can make a difference (ABC News)
Who Are Her Opponents?
Hill faces a competitive Republican primary against Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, the latter of whom has received support from President Donald Trump. While Hill is less known than some opponents, she believes her outsider status is her advantage.
“Ohio needs a leader who knows what people are going through,” she said. “I’m not a politician—I’m a mom, a business owner, and someone who cares.”
The Ohio gubernatorial election is in 2026, with Republicans aiming to maintain control of the state’s executive office.
