One of the most intriguing and intense elections in our country’s history has come to Miami University. If the news cycle and online buzz have not been enough to notice, the posters, pollsters, signs and banners on almost every block in and around town promoting Republicans and Democrats surely have been.
Such attention (if not hype) for the election reflects the stakes for everyday Miamians, whether they realize or not. It is fitting to give a proper explanation of what the people of the Grand Old Party are running for. In doing so, it is possible to see how the Republicans are working to serve and protect us during such unprecedented times.
Given its potential impact in all the state elections to follow, it is necessary to explain the new “Issue 1” on the Ohio state ballot. The referendum, drafted by Citizens Not Politicians, proposes replacing the Columbus government-based congressional districting committee with a purportedly non-partisan third party of fifteen appointed citizens. As many Republican opponents throughout the state have already noted, such a committee would replace the democratically elected administration of the Ohio Redistricting Commission with a costly, court-appointed bureaucracy, one which would upend the district status-quo state-wide within months. The very standing of voters in Oxford are thus at stake.
Looking back to our home district now, our own George Lang will be looking to defend his seat in the Ohio State Senate against Thomas Cooke. A “Guardian of Small Business” from West Chester, Ohio, he has understood since his first election in 2021 that supporting everyday citizens’ opportunities and protecting their values are the basis for successful communities. Having given directly to the county and to Miami, it is undeniable that Lang should continue to serve as Butler County’s representative.
Another representative to consider defending - this time at the national stage - is Congressman Warren Davidson. As the incumbent to the Eighth Congressional District since 2016, Davidson has served as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he has focused on various economic and social issues. Most importantly for students, Davidson has worked to promote transparency and efficiency in the world of financial services, allowing Miami students and graduates to better pursue their goals. A veteran turned congressman, his dedication to public service and to the Miami community is evident.
At the national stage, we, along with the state of Ohio, have a chance to break the senatorial deadlock with up-and-coming Republican Bernie Moreno. Having won the Republican Senate nomination following a primary debate at Miami, he is set to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown for his seat. An “America First” Republican, he has set his sights on policies to restore Ohioan and American security and prosperity by protecting American trade, business and freedoms from government or foreign violation. Returning again to Miami University for the Oct. 10 Future Leaders Forum hosted by the Miami College Republicans, Moreno continues to give national conservatism the spotlight at Miami.
As one Republican enters the senatorial picture, another has been drawn out for a much higher duty. As Donald Trump's vice president, JD Vance of Middletown, Ohio would become the first Ohioan to occupy the role, bringing with him both a rags-to-riches perspective on economic disparities as well as a political philosophy more in-line with Catholic social teaching. Though he would be separated from representing Ohio directly, issues such as student debt, education reform and graduate opportunities will be some of the many matters considered by a potential Trump-Vance White House.
Safe to say, the fall semester is ripe with political developments for conservatism this year. The efforts of conservatives at Miami, be they members of the College Republicans or activists for causes such as the Students for Life are still in the making. Regardless of what happens in November, the right-wing is just getting started this year at Miami University.
Gavin McGonagle is a senior student double majoring in history (with honors) and political science. He is writing as an independent opinion columnist for The Miami Student as well as the press representative of the Miami University College Republicans. He serves as Chancellor of Oxford’s Knights of Columbus Council 18322 – Seat of Wisdom, as well as secretary of Epsilon Tau Pi, Sigma Colony.
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