Ohio House of Representatives District 84 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Ohio, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Ohio House of Representatives District 84 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Ohio House of Representatives District 84

Angela King defeated Sophia Rodriguez in the general election for Ohio House of Representatives District 84 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Angela King (R)	82.4	37,105
		Sophia Rodriguez (D)	17.6	7,929

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 45,034
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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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?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

When there are equitable job opportunities, properly funded public education, affordable healthcare options, strong first responder teams, and well-supported nonprofit groups; we can build a safer, healthier, and more productive community for all of us.

"We need to put the US back in ColumbUS"

"Our Voices Matter"

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

Sophia, the daughter of migrant workers who became successful entrepreneurs themselves, believes that when we lift one person, we lift all persons in our community. She is a leader who will have a voice for the marginalized and underserved. Columbus needs leaders who find value in religious diversity rather than conflict, value in ethnic differences rather than in suppression, value in public education rather than cuts to funding, and value in the experiences and leadership women can bring to Ohio.

The working middle class people need a voice in Columbus. They need someone who understands and recognizes their personal histories, rich cultural diversity and the value they bring to Ohio.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

I wouldn’t be here today and doing what I am doing if it weren’t for the lessons from my parents. My parents have worked all their lives and continue to do so to this day. At the ages of 84 and 83, their example of a life lived honorably continues. My mother’s greatest lesson is that we are placed on this earth to help people. They have helped countless people who have needed money, a car battery, a place to stay, a refrigerator, or just to listen to their stories. They have helped countless organizations either monetarily or with their volunteerism. The lesson from my father is that a community is only as successful as its citizens are productive and their support of organizations who support those less fortunate. I would like to continue my mother and father’s legacy of community service and productivity. Why? We are put on this earth to help people.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

Transparency, service, and character, but it doesn’t always win elections.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

For any leadership role I have held, I have held for one reason and one reason only, to be of service. I have always wanted to make the lives of those around me better, safer, and happier. I know that when people feel these, they work better, they live better, and they give back to the community better. I believe I have a genuine passion for all people. It has never been about power, it has always been about using power to improve the lives of those who surround me.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

To be of service to those who are to be represented to the best of my ability and to uphold the constitution of Ohio and The United States. "Every person chosen or appointed to any office under this state, before entering upon the discharge of its duties, shall take an oath or affirmation, to support the Constitution of the United States, and of this state, and also an oath of office." XV.07 Oath of officers

What legacy would you like to leave?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

I would like to leave a legacy of positive difference, that no matter the obstacle women like me can do the work they have believed they can do. I hope that young men and women look at me and believe that if my friend, my cousin, my teacher, or that woman can do it, so can I.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

9/11. It was my first year teaching at Coldwater High school. One of the school board members had come to my room to talk to me to see how things were going. I found out later that he was one of my biggest supporters in offering me the position. We spoke briefly and he said upon closing our conversation that I might want to turn on the tv, one of the New York world trade centers was on fire. I went back to my desk and turned it on. I pulled the chair from my desk back towards the door to better view the television. My students were full of questions and watched intently as I. As we watched in confusion listening to the cause of the fire, we witnessed the second tower get hit by the second plane. Their first question was, “Is that real Señorita?” I turned to them and responded yes and began to cry. My students asked why I was crying, I said, “The world as we know it will never be the same”. I was 34 years old.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

My first job was working for my parents’ restaurant as a dishwasher/busser/line cook. I started these when I was 14 and I have worked doing those exact responsibilities since, but now, they include management and public relations. My parents taught me that there is dignity and honor in work ethic. My mom has always said that the worth of us is in work our hands have done. All work is to be valued as are all people who do that work.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

I believe an ideal relationship should be that of a working relationship, an open conversation between entities with everything on the table to work towards a resolution. All cards on the table are a great show of trust and professionalism.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

Overcoming one of the greatest corruptions our state has ever known. How do we gain the trust back from constituents? How do we start working for Ohio citizens and not the corporate greed that hurts our citizens?

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

I believe leaders are great learners. Having experience is helpful, but not having it doesn’t mean one cannot learn the processes, however, one must have a respect for the processes of governing. There are certain guidelines that must be followed and there are certain institutes that are scared. The Intention of leadership is everything. The act of leadership is one’s character.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

Absolutely. Leadership is all about relationships. In order to build an understanding of all constituents relationships must be forged to understand and respect all citizens from all over the state. Difference doesn’t make an enemy, fear does.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

After the failed attempt at redistricting in accordance with the Ohio Constitution, Ohioan's must take a serious look at an independent commission.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

Education

Education & Workforce Development Insurance

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

No.

Both sitting legislators 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?

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

A woman was hired at Huffy’s in Celina, Ohio. She had to do a physical and worked a few days and was later called to the office. She was informed that she was pregnant. She told them that she knew that. She was told to finish the day and that she will no longer be able to work due to her pregnancy. This was 1966. That woman was my mother.

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

Sophia Rodriguez (D)

Yes, needs and situations vary throughout the state. Compromise doesn’t mean we have changed a particular view, but understand that working toward an end goal together is better than neither situation having some sort of resolution.

See also

More about these elections:

• Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2022

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