Tariq Shabazz

Tariq Shabazz (independent) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Ohio. He lost as a write-in in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Shabazz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Tariq Shabazz was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2014 to 2019. He graduated from Horizon Science Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in international relations from American Military University and a master's degree in public policy from the American Public University System in 2020. His career experience includes working as a program manager.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Ohio

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Ohio on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bernie Moreno (R)	50.1	2,857,383
		Sherrod Brown (D)	46.5	2,650,949
	Submit photo	Don Kissick (L)	3.4	195,648
		Tariq Shabazz (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	524
	Submit photo	Stephen Faris (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	84
	Submit photo	Nathan Russell (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	19
	Submit photo	David Pastorius (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	13

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,704,620
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Ohio

Incumbent Sherrod Brown advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Ohio on March 19, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sherrod Brown	100.0	535,305

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 535,305
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Ohio

Bernie Moreno defeated Matt Dolan and Frank LaRose in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Ohio on March 19, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Bernie Moreno	50.5	557,626
	Matt Dolan	32.9	363,013
	Frank LaRose	16.7	184,111

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,104,750
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Joel Mutchler (R)
Doug Stuart (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Shabazz in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Cuyahoga County Executive

Chris Ronayne defeated Lee Weingart, McKenzie Levindofske, and Chris Litwinowicz in the general election for Cuyahoga County Executive on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Chris Ronayne (D)	64.0	247,301
	Submit photo	Lee Weingart (R)	36.0	138,979
	Submit photo	McKenzie Levindofske (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	23
	Submit photo	Chris Litwinowicz (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	17
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	248

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 386,568
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Cuyahoga County Executive

Chris Ronayne defeated Tariq Shabazz in the Democratic primary for Cuyahoga County Executive on May 3, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Chris Ronayne	65.7	51,027
		Tariq Shabazz	34.3	26,668

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 77,695
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Cuyahoga County Executive

Lee Weingart advanced from the Republican primary for Cuyahoga County Executive on May 3, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Lee Weingart	100.0	37,633

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,633
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2021

General election

Special general election for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Shontel Brown defeated Laverne Gore in the special general election for U.S. House Ohio District 11 on November 2, 2021.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Shontel Brown (D)	78.9	82,913
	Laverne Gore (R)	21.1	22,198

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 105,111
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

The following candidates ran in the special Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11 on August 3, 2021.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Shontel Brown	50.1	38,505
		Nina Turner	44.6	34,239
		Jeffrey Johnson	1.8	1,388
		John E. Barnes Jr.	1.0	801
	Submit photo	Shirley Smith	0.8	599
		Seth Corey	0.6	493
	Submit photo	Pamela Pinkney	0.2	184
	Submit photo	Will Knight	0.2	182
		Tariq Shabazz	0.2	134
	Submit photo	Martin Alexander	0.1	105
		James Jerome Bell	0.1	101
	Submit photo	Lateek Shabazz	0.1	61
	Submit photo	Isaac Powell	0.1	52

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 76,844
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Bryan Flannery (D)
Daniel Corrigan (D)

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Laverne Gore defeated Felicia Ross in the special Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11 on August 3, 2021.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Laverne Gore	74.0	4,009
	Submit photo	Felicia Ross	26.0	1,405

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,414
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

Ohio's 11th Congressional District election, 2020 (April 28 Republican primary)

Ohio's 11th Congressional District election, 2020 (April 28 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Incumbent Marcia Fudge defeated Laverne Gore in the general election for U.S. House Ohio District 11 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Marcia Fudge (D)	80.1	242,098
	Laverne Gore (R)	19.9	60,323

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 302,421
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Incumbent Marcia Fudge defeated Tariq Shabazz, Michael Hood, and James Jerome Bell in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11 on April 28, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Marcia Fudge	90.5	70,379
	Tariq Shabazz	3.6	2,813
	Michael Hood	3.4	2,641
	James Jerome Bell	2.5	1,963

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 77,796
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Laverne Gore defeated Jonah Schulz and Shalira Taylor in the Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11 on April 28, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Laverne Gore	47.3	4,589
	Jonah Schulz	41.5	4,027
	Shalira Taylor	11.2	1,083

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,699
= 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.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Tariq Shabazz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shabazz's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Black American man born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.

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?

Reparations for Black American Descendants of US Chattel Slavery
Ending the Citizens United Decision with an Amendment to the US Constitution.
Addressing Mass Insecurities attenuating the success of the American People. End the Military industrial Complex

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Justice reform, Reparations, Housing all American Citizens, establishing Jobs Guarantee, ending the Military Industrial Complex!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I’ll write one and you and can see!

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

Deeply committed to addressing the structural harm as opposed to the superficial or apparent.

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

Must be willing to provide the uncomfortable truths to the people that have provided them right to govern. The inability of leaders to address the deeply flawed infrastructures whether it be political, social, economic, technological, etc., it bolsters the negative impact on society.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Justice for Black Americans, ending the MIC, providing immense policy to address the insecurities of the American people.

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

Ending the military industrial complex influence over our nation that if unchecked will ensure the escalation of tensions abroad with the monetary gain as its motivation.

I will not be complicit in appropriating dollars to further international turmoil and will work diligently to bolster diplomatic relations abroad.

It’s never too late to stop a War. It is however too late to do nothing.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support Federal term limits

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Confirming Appointments to Federal positions by the Executive.

Ratification of Treaties

Jury in the cases of Federal Impeachment trials

The institution itself maintains 2 Senators which represent the entirety of their state as opposed to proportional representations of individual districts in a given state (House of Representatives).

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

It is not a necessity for the Senator to be a current or previous office holder, but for the Senator to exercise sound judgement in the discharge of their duties. An individual that maintains the understanding of leading their state and providing effective public policy to promote prosperity for their constituents, American Citizens, and attenuates conflicts abroad due to the attenuation of the Military Industrial Complex.

What do you think of the filibuster?

The filibuster has been a parliamentarian tool that enables white supremacy to oppose useful policy.

My first policy to pass after dismantling it will be Reparations for Black American Descendants of US Chattel Slavery. Regardless of the political party of the incoming president, the intention will be that this justice must pass.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I will work with others to pass critical legislation.

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

Comprises are the necessary actions and or activities to achieve tranquility amongst society. Compromises are not however securing the demise or negative impact on their constituents.

If the bridge connects the people to harm, burn the bridge down then.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

Widely to address US consumers across various industries & expanding legal mechanisms to penalize corporations for labor violations, etc .

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Ohio Green Party

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

as Senator the American people will observe as scrutinize said appointees.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As Senator, I recognize that transparency and government accountability is imperative as it reduces the likelihood of potential corruption. This will vastly expand the efficiency of our government in providing critical products and or goods for the American people.

By virtue the import of establishing an
Amendment to address the Citizens United Decision is fundamentally the protection of the American Democracy.
The 2 party duopoly are controlled factions by the corporations & Defense industries. The sheer volume of dollars being impressed into the democratic process impedes on the common man to address their government. This imbalance is manufactured and must be systemically dismantled.

I will implement policy oriented in incorporating AI + machine learning to assist greatly in addressing corruption of government and improving existing mechanisms. I will be the best leader to transition our nation into the future as a Millennial who understands where our nation could truly achieve when we remove those that purposes are to siphon critical resources away from their constituents.

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.

2022

Tariq Shabazz did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2021

Tariq Shabazz did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Tariq Shabazz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shabazz'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.

My name is Tariq Shabazz. I was born and raised in the inner-city of Cleveland Ohio. As an adolescent I have witnessed an immense number of atrocities that ranged from illegal drug distribution, gang activity, to gun violence. Throughout this time period it sparked the fire of aspirations to have a life in public service.

I joined the United States Navy in 2014 as a Aviation Electronics Technician. In my tenure I have been awarded 2 Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals; 1 Good Conduct medal, 1 Sailor of the Year and received an honorable discharge in September 2019. I have dedicated my life to creating public policy that will benefit Americans that have suffered for far too long.

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?

The Education system needs to truly create equal opportunity as envisioned. Financial literacy must be taught to all students to ensure that every student thrives. Preparation for adulthood is the next chapter in the US Education System.
Economic opportunity must be extended to all people of this great nation. The stagnation has resulted in low socioeconomic status communities never recovering. It is imperative that policy is enacted that is conducive to people owning their communities.
Social injustices depletes the faith in the system that has been created. Privatized prisons and detention centers establishes the building blocks for injustices. The United States holds 5% of the world's population, yet holds 25% of those incarcerated. The disparities amongst those that have been imprisoned are alarming and change must occur now.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The United States has a fundamental issue in regards to the inner-cities. No longer will it be acceptable that a child grows in a neighborhood that fears walking outside. Social injustices extend far beyond those who are incriminated unjustly, but also those that are raised in environments that are chaotic to the growth of the youth. It is the Duty of the government to ensure that every individual has the equal opportunity to thrive versus solely surviving.

There are apparent democratic deficits within the current state of the nation and policy must be implemented that truly encompasses those that have been forgotten.

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

I look up to the possibility of creating longstanding policy that is dedicated to the people of America.

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

Ethics are truly important to maintain. One must be guided by the people and never compromise their integrity.

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

I resonate well with the people and have the willingness to create policies that are dedicated to the equal opportunity for all.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Improved education system that establishes a just system that all students are taught how to thrive.

removing privatized prisons

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

When I was 15 years old, there was a verbal altercation between a young man and I. This incident led to him brandishing a firearm at me with the intent to murder me. I had truly recognize how short life could be and that i could be the very statistic that i read about every day in my community. I realized that this young man had been accustomed to the reality that he was not valued. This creates the view point that others do not matter either.

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

My first job was working in my family's neighborhood store. This being said, it gave me a great smile to seeing so many people in my community. Black ownership within the inner-city illustrated that we could be in control of our own destinies.

What is your favorite book? Why?

the Dictator

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

Static Shock

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

Waiting on the World to change

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

Growing up in poverty stricken environments that are plagued with gun violence. I feared that i could not be successful at times.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House has the ability to create policies on a federal level that will prescribe the resolutions that are desperately needed throughout the country.

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

It is beneficial for representatives to be guided by the people and never become complacent.

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

The Greatest challenge in America is recognizing the importance of securing equal opportunity throughout the country.

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

Armed Services committee, judicial

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

I personally believe that two years creates the conflict of always campaigning.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

House of Reps should not hold a position longer than 6 terms which would equate to 12 years in office.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would love to take the mantle in advocating for equal opportunity throughout the nation.

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

No

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 was told by an individual that he grew up during the 80's when the crack-cocain epidemic occurred. This being said, he stated he became addicted to the drug and lived a life that was not illustrious to his character. He said, that he had to fight himself to be the change he wanted to see.

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 finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Tariq Shabazz campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. Senate Ohio	Lost general	$0	N/A**
2020	U.S. House Ohio District 11	Lost primary	$1,830	$1,738
Grand total			$1,830	$1,738
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

External links

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Candidate

U.S. Senate Ohio

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted through Ballotpedia's biographical submission form on January 30, 2020.
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2024
↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with Tariq Shabazz," October 4, 2024

[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)

[bio-1] Information submitted through Ballotpedia's biographical submission form on January 30, 2020.

[2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2024

[3] Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with Tariq Shabazz," October 4, 2024

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Tariq Shabazz

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Ohio

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Ohio

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Ohio

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Cuyahoga County Executive

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Cuyahoga County Executive

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Cuyahoga County Executive

2021

General election

Special general election for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Ohio District 11

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

2022

2021

2020

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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2024 Election analysis

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