6.5 The Two-Party System in the General Assembly

Ohio, like the rest of the United States, operates primarily under a two-party system consisting of the Republican and Democrat parties. We learned about the two-party system in the last chapter, but let’s explore how this system affects the General Assembly. Both the state House and Senate are currently controlled by strong Republican majorities.

Republicans in Ohio 

Republicans in the Ohio legislature can be categorized as fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, Trump Republicans, and more moderate Republicans, with Trump Republicans becoming the dominant voice within the party and encompassing both fiscal and social conservatism.

Fiscal Conservatives – These members advocate for limited government intervention in economic matters, emphasizing free-market principles, and supporting lower taxes and reduced government spending. They believe that free-market principles foster economic growth, innovation, and efficiency. Fiscal conservatives prioritize policies that reduce government debt and promote economic stability through restrained fiscal policies.   

Social Conservatives – Social conservatism is a key aspect of this group, emphasizing traditional social values and advocating for stability within communities. This includes supporting traditional family roles, opposing abortion, advocating for religious freedom, and promoting law and order. Social conservatives focus on maintaining cultural traditions and often support policies that reflect their moral and ethical beliefs.

Trump Republicans – Trump Republicans, who have become the dominant voice within the party, blend foundational aspects of fiscal and social conservatism. Inspired by President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, they also focus on populist and nationalist policies, often emphasizing strong border security, economic protectionism, and a more confrontational approach to political opponents and policies. Trump Republicans prioritize issues such as opposing transgender inclusion in sports and schools, and they actively campaign against the teaching of critical race theory in educational institutions. They are strong advocates for gun rights and are vocal about their commitment to President Trump’s priorities.

Moderate Republicans – These members support many conservative principles but also recognize the need for practical and sometimes bipartisan solutions. While they advocate for limited government intervention, they may support targeted government programs that address critical needs such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Moderate Republicans uphold traditional values and individual responsibility but may also support progressive stances on issues like criminal justice reform or environmental conservation. This balanced approach allows them to appeal to a broader range of voters and work towards practical solutions.

This categorization provides a nuanced understanding of the different priorities within the Ohio Republican Party.

Democrats in Ohio 

Democrats in Ohio generally fall into two categories: progressive Democrats and moderate Democrats.

Progressive (or Liberal) Democrats – These members advocate for government policies that promote social justice, economic equality, and environmental sustainability. Social justice initiatives aim to create a fair and equitable society where all individuals have equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights. This includes addressing inequalities related to race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Progressives often support increased government intervention in the economy to provide public services such as healthcare, education, and social safety nets, which often require tax increases to fund. They prioritize civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights, including access to reproductive healthcare. Additionally, they emphasize combating climate change, supporting comprehensive immigration reform, expanding voting rights, and advocating for gun control measures.   

Moderate Democrats – These members advocate for a more balanced approach to government policies, blending progressive ideals with practical solutions that can gain bipartisan support. While they support social justice and economic equality, they may prefer incremental changes and collaborations across party lines. Moderates often emphasize fiscal responsibility while recognizing the need for public investment in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They propose more gradual approaches to civil rights and environmental sustainability compared to their progressive counterparts.