Three independent candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives have established a new coalition intended to promote cooperation across party lines and encourage lawmakers to work more closely together on shared priorities.
The group, calling itself the Ohio Fulcrum Coalition, announced its formation Friday, October 23. According to a press release shared with Independent Political Report, its founding members are Lyndsey Stough of District 44, Craig Swartz of District 87, and Kristine Geis of District 97, all of whom are running as independents in the November election.
“The two parties are stuck grasping for power while major issues affecting families go unaddressed and get worse,” Stough said in the announcement. “We are more alike than we are different, and we can achieve results on common ground with respect and practical solutions.”
The trio cite a 2023 leadership vote in the Ohio House as an example of how coalition efforts can influence the chamber. That year, Republican state Rep. Jason Stephens was able to win the speakership with support from Democratic lawmakers despite House Republicans having already lined up behind another candidate. All 32 House Democrats at the time joined with 22 Republicans in backing Stephens over fellow Republican state Rep. Derek Merrin.
“Ohioans are looking for common sense legislation that moves our state forward, presents a clear vision of Ohio’s future and truly has the people’s backing,” Swartz added. “Members of the Fulcrum Coalition, upon getting elected into the Ohio House, will be firmly committed to those goals.”
Geis, the third founding member, similarly expressed her interest in working with lawmakers regardless of their political affiliations. “My vote belongs to the people, not a party or special interest group,” Geis said, adding that she wants to bring together lawmakers on making “common sense laws for the common good.”
The announcement states that the coalition is not a political party or legislative caucus, nor is it intended to be viewed as a formal voting bloc or mutual endorsement agreement. Instead, the group is built around a commitment that calls for adherence to the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution, and the Ohio Constitution. Members also pledge to strengthen democracy, work together on long-term issues facing Ohio communities, and treat their peers with respect and integrity.
“We do not agree on everything, but we commit ourselves to debate, discuss, and deliberate honestly,” the pledge reads. “We commit to bringing different perspectives forward as we collaboratively seek to serve the public good.”
Membership in the Fulcrum Coalition is open to all interested legislative candidates regardless of their party affiliation, so long as they agree to the pledge. Its organizers said they also plan to pursue additional members following the general election.
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