Timothy Grady, a graduate student of economics at the John Glenn College and former chair of the Ohio Forward Party, announced this week that he is running for Ohio governor as an independent candidate. Grady previously ran as a write-in candidate for the same office during the 2022 cycle.
Grady announced his campaign on Wednesday, sharing a press release with Independent Political Report. In the accompanying email, he described himself as having been active in Ohio politics over the past decade in what he called “irreverent ways,” including “accidentally inciting an antifa panic in 2020” and receiving an endorsement from Vermin Supreme during his 2022 bid. He later joined the Forward Party, where he served as chair of its Ohio affiliate from late 2023 through 2024, leading a reorganization effort before stepping down this year to focus on his campaign.
Grady says he has developed relationships with political parties across the state, as well as within Ohio’s independent and centrist circles. He described his political approach as “centrist” and rooted in “Complexity Economic Thought,” which he said does not align with the traditional left-right spectrum. He believes this perspective could strengthen his appeal to low-propensity voters across the state.
“I’m a genuine independent with a well formed political identity, not just another Democrat or Republican running away from a toxic brand,” Grady wrote. “I’m not shackled by political orthodoxy.”
While Grady did not appear on the ballot during his 2022 campaign, he earned over 500 votes as a write-in candidate. He now intends to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot and expressed “high confidence” in his campaign’s ability to meet the requirements. Grady called the upcoming race his “first real attempt at winning an election” and said he sees a viable path forward.
The press release, as submitted by Grady’s campaign, is reshared below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025Contact:
Timothy Grady
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [Number redacted]Timothy Grady Announces Independent Candidacy for Governor of Ohio
Mansfield, OH – June 25, 2025 — Timothy Grady, lifelong independent and advocate for new economic thinking, officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Ohio today. Centered on good government, freedom, and revitalizing the state’s economy through improvement, Timothy’s campaign takes aim at corruption, stagnation, and the failures of both major parties.
“In the current field, I can confidently say I’m the best candidate for the job, because our toxic politics otherwise keeps good people out. But I’ll say that right now, I’m still not the candidate Ohioans deserve,” said Grady. “Over the next 70 weeks I’m going to show with my actions what I believe in and my determination to serve the people of Ohio. Being an independent, I know it’s on me to prove myself. I’m going to earn every vote.”
A native of Richland County and a critic of Democratic and Republican politics, Grady previously entered the 2022 Gubernatorial campaign as a write-in with a largely satirical campaign; nevertheless coming in 4th out of 6 candidates. Committed to political reform, he has worked on state and local political campaigns and most recently acted as Chair of the Ohio Forward Party before resigning in January. The demand for strong, independent candidates has never been greater. Grady promises to change politics in Ohio and deliver the serious choice Ohioans need.
“I’m starting with ideas, I’m starting with a clear vision for a better, stronger Ohio, and I’m starting with work ethic. Time will tell if that’s enough to save Ohio.”
The campaign is confident it will be on the ballot in 2026.
Details on Grady’s campaign and platform, as well as ways to get involved, can be found on the website: timgradyforohio.com.
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