Sam Lawrence
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Sam Lawrence (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Ohio House of Representatives to represent District 47. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Lawrence completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Sam Lawrence was born in Toledo, Ohio.[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Ohio House of Representatives District 47
Incumbent Sara Carruthers defeated Sam Lawrence in the general election for Ohio House of Representatives District 47 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Sara Carruthers (R) | 64.9 | 22,133 |
 | Sam Lawrence (D)  | 35.1 | 11,959 | |
| Total votes: 34,092 | |||
| = 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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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 47
Sam Lawrence advanced from the Democratic primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 47 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sam Lawrence | 100.0 | 1,195 |
| Total votes: 1,195 | |||
| = 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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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 47
Incumbent Sara Carruthers defeated Cody Harper in the Republican primary for Ohio House of Representatives District 47 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sara Carruthers | 80.4 | 2,749 |
 | Cody Harper | 19.6 | 672 | |
| Total votes: 3,421 | |||
| = 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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Campaign finance
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sam Lawrence completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lawrence's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is Sam Lawrence, and I’m running for the Ohio State House of Representatives in District 44*. This district is subject to change due to the current redistricting process in Ohio. I am an eighteen year-old student at Miami University studying political science. Apart from my studies, I spend my time working as the newly-elected Vice President of the Miami University Democrats, a newly-appointed member of the Executive Board of the Butler County Progressive PAC, an intern for the the Miami University Government Relations Network/Office of ASPIRE, and the Representative from Miami University as a part of the Tim Ryan Fellows Program. As for my life prior to college - I was born in Toledo, Ohio. I lived in Southern Michigan for my early childhood and then moved to my hometown of Maumee, Ohio. In 2021, I graduated from St. Francis de Sales School. I began to attend Miami University in the fall of 2021. I spent much of my childhood at YMCA Storer Camps, mainly in the summer as a camper, a volunteer, and a counselor. I volunteered with both the Buttigieg and Biden campaigns in 2020. In 2021, I interned with Allison Russo’s congressional campaign in Ohio’s 15th District’s special election.
- We need to shift our attention back to Ohio’s workers. I grew up in Toledo - “The Glass City.” Throughout my childhood, I became aware of the impact that labor has on our state. I’ve seen CEOs and executives continue to get wealthier while the most vulnerable in our society, our workforce, suffers. We need to consult our economic experts and determine the best path forward, pertaining to increasing wages throughout our state. In places where the cost of living is high, that means $15/hr. Ohio is within a minority of states that has a 0% corporate tax rate - we need to incentivize business in Ohio, but we can’t keep letting corporations get away with this. My campaign aims to strengthen Ohio’s unions, and support our workforce.
- I believe the threat that climate change poses to our society should be the most important issue to any politician. If we do not take extreme action now, it will be too late. The science is clear: global warming is real, and our planet is in real danger. We need to incentivize corporations to transition to cleaner development and enact stricter environmental restrictions and regulations. If given the chance, I would vote to repeal all of HB6, the worst attack on clean energy in the history of our state. We need to take action on the climate emergency now, and come together to do everything we can to try to reverse the course of climate change.
- My campaign aims to bolster Ohio’s education. I grew up in the public school system, and had my share of private school experience in middle school and high school. We need to invest in our public schools, not abandon them. The “Backpack Bill” is circulating in Ohio's legislature. I would vote against this bill. Currently, Ohio’s public education system ranks 31st among 50 states - I would personally like to see that number rise, not fall. This bill will kill Ohio’s public school system. I am a current student at Miami University in Oxford, and passionately support higher education and liberal arts. Ohio needs to ensure that the correct history of our nation is taught in schools, and that schoolchildren have access to a variety of books.
I am personally passionate about many issues, but two in particular: the fight against gun violence, and the fight to save the environment. Firstly, the overarching threat of gun violence has been a problem that I have grown up with. I'm used to jumping in my seat anytime a classmate drops a book. It could be no clearer that we need to implement common sense gun regulations that will allow for second amendment freedom but simultaneously ensure the safety of all citizens. I believe that the second amendment should allow for one top carry a firearm for self-protection, however I also believe that guns are today able to shoot faster, harder, and more bullets. Therefore, certain specific regulations that enforce common-sense gun laws should be enacted. With regard to the environment, science has made it easier than ever to see the truth behind climate change, and it is simply a fact that human activity has sped up the process. Although awareness is up in recent years, the United States should be an archetype of a green and energy-efficient country, and should pressure other countries to also take up initiatives such as carbon neutrality and recycling programs. Vigorous environmental regulation and standards have to be put in place, at the local, state, and federal levels.
I personally look up to my father. As much as it is a 'cliche' answer, I truly want to be like him in all that I do. Nevermind professional accomplishments or awards - I aspire to be a good person. My dad has a certain aura about him - always cheerful, even in the worst of situations. He is an exceptional leader, and an even better listener. For those that are lucky enough to meet him, I truly think he change's each person's life. Above all, my dad stresses the importance of telling the truth and taking responsibility. I intend to take these insights and values into consideration anytime I make a decision.
I believe that transparency is the most important quality of an elected official. If a politician is truthful in all matters, then the people will have no doubt about whether they are representing their constituents well. I believe that too many politicians on both sides are controlled by corporate money. If elected, I promise to speak my mind and attempt to have conversations with those who disagree with me.
I would like to leave a legacy of someone who made a difference. The name recognition doesn't matter to me - I would be proud to represent my district and my state in the Statehouse. I recently attended the service of late Speaker of the Ohio House, William Batchelder III. Those who spoke of him recited a legacy filled with cooperation, fellowship, and trust among colleagues and constituents alike. I want to be remembered as the genuine officeholder.
The first historical event that I remember would be the Great Recession in 2008. I was only 5 years old at the time, but I certainly remember the stress that my family went through when the stock market crashed. Luckily, my family held on, but I know now that many around me struggled at this time.
My very first job was in food service at Chipotle in Maumee, Ohio. I kept that job for 6 months. I was once recommended that everyone have a job in either fast food or retail for at least six months. Interaction with customers taught me communication skills and I learned to work as a team with my crew.
My favorite book is "Shortest Way Home" by Pete Buttigieg. You should give it a read! It has excellent policy points, emotionally moving stories, and tons of sneaky humor.
I believe that Ohio's greatest challenge over the next decade is convincing my generation to stay in Ohio. This state was built on the working class. Toledo, my hometown, is built on the glass industry. Ohio's workforce is like no other - that's why my support of Ohio's unions is unwavering. Democrats have made improvements in the past, but the bills being passed by Ohio's current Republican State Legislature are a blatant attack on our workers. For example, Ohio is only one of six states that has a 0% corporate tax rate - we continue to watch as executives get richer and the working class gets left behind - it's unacceptable.
I believe it's extremely important to build relationships with other legislators. When I am elected to the statehouse, I will aim to maintain friendships with all other legislators, Republican, Democrat, and Independent. We may disagree on most matters, but if my personal relationship can foster even one bipartisan bill for the greater good of all Ohioans, then I will consider my efforts a success. I think it's important to differentiate myself from other politicians when pertaining to policy, but at the end of the day - we're all Ohioans.
The human race would not be where we are today if not for compromise. I am a Democrat - but that doesn't mean that I am running for only democrats. I intend to bring together a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents - because my core beliefs state that there are more good people than bad people in the world. I truly believe, even in the most polarizing of circumstances, we can cooperate for the greater good. For those that say it's impossible, I'd point out the cooperation between the Miami University College Democrats and College Republicans. These two groups have come together in the past to do combined events such as a blood drive, and will continue to do so, as I am the Vice President of the Miami College Dems.
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.
See also
2022 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 27, 2022
Current members of the Ohio House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Jason Stephens
Majority Leader:Marilyn John
Minority Leader:Dani Isaacsohn
Representatives
District 1
District 2
Latyna Humphrey (D)
District 3
Ismail Mohamed (D)
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
Allison Russo (D)
District 8
Anita Somani (D)
District 9
Munira Abdullahi (D)
District 10
Mark Sigrist (D)
District 11
Crystal Lett (D)
District 12
Brian Stewart (R)
District 13
Tristan Rader (D)
District 14
Sean Brennan (D)
District 15
Chris Glassburn (D)
District 16
District 17
Mike Dovilla (R)
District 18
Juanita Brent (D)
District 19
Phil Robinson (D)
District 20
District 21
Eric Synenberg (D)
District 22
Darnell Brewer (D)
District 23
Dan Troy (D)
District 24
Dani Isaacsohn (D)
District 25
Cecil Thomas (D)
District 26
District 27
Rachel Baker (D)
District 28
Karen Brownlee (D)
District 29
Cindy Abrams (R)
District 30
Mike Odioso (R)
District 31
Bill Roemer (R)
District 32
Jack Daniels (R)
District 33
Veronica Sims (D)
District 34
Derrick Hall (D)
District 35
Steve Demetriou (R)
District 36
Andrea White (R)
District 37
Tom Young (R)
District 38
Desiree Tims (D)
District 39
Phil Plummer (R)
District 40
Rodney Creech (R)
District 41
Erika White (D)
District 42
Elgin Rogers (D)
District 43
Michele Grim (D)
District 44
Josh Williams (R)
District 45
Jennifer Gross (R)
District 46
Thomas Hall (R)
District 47
Diane Mullins (R)
District 48
Scott Oelslager (R)
District 49
Jim Thomas (R)
District 50
Matthew Kishman (R)
District 51
Jodi Salvo (R)
District 52
Gayle Manning (R)
District 53
Joe Miller (D)
District 54
Kellie Deeter (R)
District 55
Michelle Teska (R)
District 56
Adam Mathews (R)
District 57
Jamie Callender (R)
District 58
Lauren McNally (D)
District 59
Tex Fischer (R)
District 60
Brian Lorenz (R)
District 61
Beth Lear (R)
District 62
Jean Schmidt (R)
District 63
Adam Bird (R)
District 64
Nick Santucci (R)
District 65
David Thomas (R)
District 66
Sharon Ray (R)
District 67
Melanie Miller (R)
District 68
District 69
Kevin Miller (R)
District 70
Brian Lampton (R)
District 71
Levi Dean (R)
District 72
Heidi Workman (R)
District 73
Jeff LaRe (R)
District 74
Bernard Willis (R)
District 75
Haraz Ghanbari (R)
District 76
Marilyn John (R)
District 77
Meredith Craig (R)
District 78
Matt Huffman (R)
District 79
District 80
Johnathan Newman (R)
District 81
James Hoops (R)
District 82
Roy Klopfenstein (R)
District 83
Ty Mathews (R)
District 84
Angela King (R)
District 85
Tim Barhorst (R)
District 86
Tracy Richardson (R)
District 87
Riordan McClain (R)
District 88
Gary Click (R)
District 89
D.J. Swearingen (R)
District 90
Justin Pizzulli (R)
District 91
Bob Peterson (R)
District 92
Mark Johnson (R)
District 93
Jason Stephens (R)
District 94
Kevin Ritter (R)
District 95
Ty Moore (R)
District 96
Ron Ferguson (R)
District 97
Adam Holmes (R)
District 98
Mark Hiner (R)
District 99
Sarah Fowler (R)
Republican Party (65)
Democratic Party (34)
