Clinton, Ohio – A second transgender woman running for public office in Ohio has faced challenges due to a decades-old law that requires candidates to disclose previous legal names on election documents. Arienne Childrey, a Democrat seeking a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, had her campaign petition rejected by the local board of elections after the head of her county’s Republican party, Robert Hibner, requested it. This follows the disqualification of another trans woman, Vanessa Joy, from running for the Ohio State House for the same reason.
Both Childrey and Joy are accused of violating a 1995 Ohio statute, which mandates that political candidates disclose any legal name changes within five years of the election. Childrey learned about Hibner’s letter when a local reporter contacted her for comment.
Despite the legal challenges, Childrey remains hopeful in her bid to unseat longtime incumbent Angela King, a Republican. Her decision to run was sparked by King’s introduction of a bill that seeks to ban drag performances in public spaces in Ohio.
Ohio’s uneven enforcement of the 1995 statute has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that it suppresses the legal and political rights of transgender Americans. They believe that Ohio Republicans have created a hostile political climate for trans people, as demonstrated by recent actions such as the override of Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of a bill restricting trans minors’ access to gender-affirming care.
The Republicans’ challenge to Childrey’s candidacy was deemed invalid because, under Ohio election rules, a letter of protest cannot be filed by a member of the opposing party. However, the Mercer County Board of Elections plans to proceed with Childrey’s hearing, scheduled for January 18th.
Despite the obstacles, Childrey remains determined to pursue her political ambitions. She expressed her intention to refile if she is booted off the ballot, stating that she will provide all the required information, including her current name and deadname, on the next election form.
The cases of Childrey and Joy highlight the challenges faced by transgender individuals in the political arena. LGBTQ+ advocates condemn the covert suppression of transgender rights and emphasize the importance of giving voters the chance to support LGBTQ+ candidates. With four transgender candidates running for state office in Ohio this year, the outcomes of these cases will have implications for the broader transgender community.
In conclusion, the candidacy of Arienne Childrey, a transgender woman running for the Ohio House of Representatives, is being challenged under a law that requires candidates to disclose previous legal names. This comes as Ohio Republicans face criticism for creating a hostile political climate for trans people. Despite the challenges, Childrey remains determined in her pursuit of unseating the incumbent and hopes to inspire greater inclusivity and representation in Ohio’s political landscape.