Lee Stahley

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Lee Stahley

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 8, 2022

Education

Other

American Board of Opticianry, 2021

Personal

Birthplace

Columbus, Ohio

Religion

Christian: Nondenominational

Profession

Instructing Licensed Optician for the Ohio State University College of Optometry

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal LinkedIn

Lee Stahley (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Ohio's 3rd Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Stahley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Lee Stahley was born in Columbus, Ohio. He earned his education from the American Board of Opticianry in 2021. His career experience includes working as an instructing licensed optician for the Ohio State University College of Optometry. Stahley has served on Whitehall City Council and as a central committee member for Franklin County GOP. Stahley has been affiliated with Whitehall Community Celebration Association, the Faith Mission and Stowe Center in Columbus, World Changers Missions, and Human Rights Campaign.

Elections

2022

See also: Ohio's 3rd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Ohio District 3

Incumbent Joyce Beatty defeated Lee Stahley and Alexander Amicucci in the general election for U.S. House Ohio District 3 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joyce Beatty (D)	70.5	182,324
		Lee Stahley (R)	29.5	76,455
	Submit photo	Alexander Amicucci (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	18

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 258,797
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 3

Incumbent Joyce Beatty advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 3 on May 3, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joyce Beatty	100.0	48,241

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 48,241
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Matthew Meade (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 3

Lee Stahley advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 3 on May 3, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lee Stahley	100.0	30,250

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 30,250
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Chris Martin (R)
• Michael Young (R)

Endorsements

To view Stahley's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Lee Stahley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stahley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 29 year old professional. I have worked in the optical industry for well over a decade. I am an Instructing Licensed Optician for The Ohio State University. I come from a long line of public servants. My grandfather, Roger Stahley, served on Whitehall City Council for over 20 years. My father, Gary Stahley, served on Civil Service for many years by appointment of the Whitehall Mayor. I served on Whitehall City Council, Represented Whitehall on the Republican Central Committee, and served with numerous civic organizations. As a college clinical instructor, I see people everyday and discuss the struggles they are facing. I see how our current leaders are failing this community, and this country. It is time for us to move forward, time for a new vision!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Our current leaders have failed us, they have stopped serving those that elected them. We need a fresh new voice for this district. Someone who will represent the people, not the their own best interests.
• We have seen over the past few years our current elected leader spit in the face of law enforcement, abuse their position, and even get arrested in the nations capitol. Its time for change. We need to send our current elected official to retirement.
• Our nation is struggling. Under the current administration Americans are struggling to keep food on the table, pay their bills, and get to work. Inflation is at an all time high, gas prices through the roof, and product shortages nationwide. We can no longer sit idle and accept this, we need new representatives who will fight for the American people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about healthcare, nation security, and human rights. Healthcare is not only important to me, but to the American people. We are being taken advantage of by the healthcare industry. Pharmaceutical companies have been able to price medication how ever they please. No American should have to decide between taking any medication and putting food on their table. We live in one of the greatest countries on earth, we should have a healthcare system that cares for our citizens, not extorts them for money.

National security is also important to me. As stated above, America is one of the greatest countries on earth and I want everyone who wants to experience America, to have the chance to experience it. With that said, it is important we know who is coming in and out of our country. It is a matter of national security to know who we are letting into the country. Secure our borders, but established a better system to allow those into the country who want to come into our country.

Human rights is something I have had a strong passion for since I was a young kid. Growing up in the city of Whitehall I was able to be a part of a community that was diverse in many different ways. We need to do what we can to protect the rights and freedoms of all Americans. I believe we need to reduce the capacity of the federal government and give the power back to the people. Why are we allowing the government to make personal decisions on our behalf? Its time for a new vision!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

One political leader I look up to would be former president Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan in my own opinion was one of the greatest presidents in history. Reagan was a man of character and stood for the American people and the values that America has always stood for. President Reagan was tough on crime and fought hard against the influx of illegal substances into the United States. President Reagan was a master in diplomacy and negotiation. Reagan fought against excessive taxing and brought the tax rate from 70% to 28% creating a strong economy.

I also look up to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Both critics and supporters of Thatcher agreed on one thing, she got thins done. Baroness Thatcher has taught me five life lessons that are directly applied to American politics.
1) Have a clear set of values and priorities.
2) Don't rush everything at once.
3) Pick your fights.
4) Master the detail.

5) Listen to advise.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Courage and dedication. We need leaders who will be courageous to stand against the norm, who will not be afraid to speak up and speak out for the change needed. We need someone who is dedicated to the American people, not someone who goes into the position with an agenda the directly contradicts the desires of those who elected them.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am feisty and not afraid to challenge the norm. I have never been one who has sought to fit in or be like everyone else. I will not be afraid to stand up and speak out for what is right no matter what the repercussions are. I always ask why. I am not one to accept a just because answer. I look for the why in everything.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The first priority of someone elected to this position is to represent ALL of the constituents in their district. They are the voice for that district at the federal level. We need someone in that position who will actively stand up and fight for the people of their district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of service over self. I feel it is not only a duty but a privilege to fight for the betterment of your country.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

One of the first historical events I remember in my lifetime was September 11th, 2001. I was eight years old at the time, and in elementary school. I remember seeing the teachers loose all expression on their faces as they picked up the phone to be told what events were unfolding. I remember coming home and seeing on the television the events unfold live. I remember crying knowing that people were loosing their lives and that our country was attacked, but not fully grasping the full scale of what really had happened. My parents were very open and honest with me about everything that happened. They did not want to shelter me or hide the truth from me.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was with the Kroger Company. I started when I was 15 as a grocery bagger and cart boy. I worked with Kroger for almost 5 years. Went from being a bagger to cashier, and even got into customer service. My time with Kroger and working with the public sealed my passion for public service.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Giver by Lois Lowry is one of my all time favorite novels. The book shows how important our memories are and how strong they make us as people. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

This is a hard question to answer. There are so many fictional characters I would want to be, mainly just to have super powers or abilities. For example, I would like to be Superman because he can fly, he can turn back time by flying.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

We don't talk about Bruno. As a Sunday School teacher, a God Father, and a Big Cousin I have heard this song a million and one times. It is a catchy tune but just the sheer amount of times I have heard this song has engraved it into my brain and memory. Now anytime someone even says the words we don't talk about, my head breaks out into a musical number right out of the Disney movie Encanto.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have struggled financially throughout my young adult life. I have lived in a liberally ran government for most of my adult life. In that time, I have seen the rise of school tuition, gas prices soar exponentially, taxes being risen, the cost of living rise, all while income stayed the same. I started to attend college like most do right after high school, but I questioned the need. I fell in love with the optical industry, and loved being an optician. I did not need a college degree to be an optician, rather I needed to complete an apprenticeship program to receive my license. Why go into debt for college if the degree was not beneficial? I have battled with a crippling autoimmune disorder for the majority of my life, and have seen first hand how the cost of medication can hinder someone from achieving a healthier more sustainable lifestyle.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not think it is beneficial. I think it is important for those who represent the people know the people and understand what the people are currently struggling with. I do not think it beneficial for someone who has been serving in an elected office for many years to represent those they are no longer relatable to. I believe we need representatives that relate to the people, that are aware of the constant daily struggles the American people face. I believe that having leaders in office that no longer relate to the people, but the opposite in fact, representing corporations and top donors will hinder the growth of this nation.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Over the next decade I foresee one of the greatest challenges in the United States to be energy. Currently, under the Biden administration, America is losing any energy independence and is becoming solely reliant on energy from outside resources. I believe we as a country should make it a priority to establish energy independence and free ourselves from the handcuffs holding the country back by relying on energy from countries such as Russia and China. I believe in the Trump era policies of America First.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would like to be a part of the House Committee on Appropriations. I am passionate on fighting for the American people, and the Committee on Appropriations is the committee that does just that. This committee works on behalf of the American people by prioritizing good schools, robust job training, affordable higher education, quality health care, and better infrastructure.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe that there should be term limits for members of the House of Representatives. With that said, I do believe that the appropriate term length and limit is two consecutive four year terms. Allowing a member of congress to have a four year term will ensure that the member is focused on working for their constituents and the American people, rather than worrying about the next election.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are vital. We need to have term limits to promote change and growth. By allowing the same individuals to continuously lead because of the political capital and massive donor funds they have does not foster a mentality conducive of change and growth. We cant allow the same views to be represented for over a decade in office, we need to create an atmosphere that welcomes and strives from having new opinions and views being brought forward.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I am going to say no. We are in a new age and things are not as they once were. We need someone who has a new vision of the future. We need someone who is ready to modernize the United States and lead the country into the next generation.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I heard a story from a young single mother whos child was just diagnosed with a form of cancer. She has had to make many sacrifices in order to afford the treatments. This is a dedicated mother, and she would do anything for her child. In the United States this is a norm, and it is disgusting. We are a world super power, one of the richest countries on earth. The American people should not have to decide between food on their table and buying medication. We need to do better.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What happened when the optician fell into the lens grinder? He made a SPECTACLE of themselves! lol

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is absolutely necessary and essential for getting things done in the realm of politics. With that said, I will never compromise on my moral values.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

My priority would be the American people, always. If we are tasked with a bill that is raising revenue I would need to be shown that it is the only option and in the best interest of the American people.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Stahley's campaign website stated the following:

“	Health Care The health care system in the United States is broken, and we need representatives to go to Washington and fight for a higher quality more affordable health care. We need to reform the health insurance industry. Insurance companies do not have doctorate degrees, they don't spend countless years studying medicine, yet we give them the authority to dictate what medications an American citizen can be prescribed? As a healthcare professional, I would loose my license if I changed a doctors prescription, yet we allow insurance companies to do this every day. We need to negotiate the cost of medication with pharmaceutical companies. We can no longer allow pharmaceutical companies to put the financial burden on the American people while other countries receive the same medication for pennies on the dollar. Section 230 We give Big Tech way to much power and authority over our lives. They are granted freedoms that no other American or American business is granted, and that is unacceptable. We need to hold these companies accountable for what they publish! We can no longer accept that big tech companies are stifling the first amendment rights of American citizens. The fact that a company can silence a former United States President, but allow the president of a country committing genocide to maintain their voice is absolutely unacceptable. National Security We have lost strong leadership in Washington. If we had stronger leadership Russia would have thought twice about invading the Ukraine. With stronger leadership, we would be holding China accountable for their part in these global events. We need to do more to secure our borders and protect the American people from foreign threats. LGBTQ Community I support the LGBTQ Community. I believe the government has no business in the personal lives of any Americans. What one decides to do in their personal lives is their business alone. I believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least. Abortion Rights Personally I am against the idea of abortion, I believe that all life is a gift and a blessing from God. Politically I feel that abortion should be used as a last resort and only in instances when the mothers life is at risk or the child will suffer fatal health issues after birth. The decision to receive an abortion belongs between a patient and their doctor. A doctor should be allowed to refuse to perform the abortion and be protected from any legal action. Critical Race Theory Personally I do not agree with CRT. With that said, on a political level I do not believe it is up to the federal government to decide. What is taught in schools should be a decision left at a local level. Parents and their local school boards should be the determining bodies that decide what is taught in schools. If our federal government forces certain curriculums to be taught in school, what sets us apart from socialist countries like Russia or China?	”
—Lee Stahley's campaign website (2022)

See also

2022 Elections

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Candidate

U.S. House Ohio District 3

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Footnotes

[show]

Ohio's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jon Husted (R)

Bernie Moreno (R)

Representatives

District 1

Greg Landsman (D)

District 2

David Taylor (R)

District 3

Joyce Beatty (D)

District 4

Jim Jordan (R)

District 5

Bob Latta (R)

District 6

Michael Rulli (R)

District 7

Max Miller (R)

District 8

Warren Davidson (R)

District 9

Marcy Kaptur (D)

District 10

Michael Turner (R)

District 11

Shontel Brown (D)

District 12

Troy Balderson (R)

District 13

Emilia Sykes (D)

District 14

David Joyce (R)

District 15

Mike Carey (R)

Republican Party (12)

Democratic Party (5)