Chapter 13 – State Elections & Campaigning
13.9 Party Organizations & Functions
Both the Republican and Democrat parties in Ohio are organized at the state and county levels. Each party has a state central committee, which is responsible for overseeing party operations and making strategic decisions. These committees are composed of members elected from each of Ohio’s state senate districts.
County party organizations play a crucial role in local elections and grassroots mobilization. They are responsible for recruiting candidates, organizing campaign events, and getting out the vote. County party committees also have the authority to fill vacancies in local elected offices when they occur.
State party organizations in Ohio are used for campaign fundraising, helping to raise significant sums of money to support their candidates. They provide financial resources, strategic advice, and logistical support to candidates at all levels of government. Despite the diminished role of party conventions in nominating candidates, state parties remain influential in shaping the political landscape and supporting their chosen candidates.