OH-12 was drawn to elect Republicans. The partisan lean is R+34 and the incumbent, Troy Balderson, is the definition of a bland, business-friendly Ohio conservative. He wins reelection without breaking a sweat. So how does this first-time candidate from Appalachia, Jerrad Christian, think he’s going to win a seat redder than any Democrat has in over a decade? Christian’s appeal is to working class voters, like himself, looking for a fair shot. Born in Glouster, raised in Somerset, it was his service in the U.S. military that helped pull him out of poverty. Today he works as a software engineer in Galena. You can read more about where he stands on specific issues here and after you’ve read his guest post below, if you want to give his campaign a hand, you can contribute here.
"A Soldier's Shift: From Rural Roots to Inclusive Ideals"
-by Jerrad Christian
I was raised in a conservative, rural environment and grew up surrounded by Republican values. In my small town, political views were inherited like family heirlooms-- passed down through generations without question. My family and neighbors, staunchly conservative, shaped my early beliefs. I became a reflection of my surroundings, a mirror of the community's expectations. It was a simple world, where the ideals of those before me were taken as gospel, and questioning them seemed unnecessary, even irreverent.
Though, certainly, some of the ideals presented to me as a Republican never felt right, joining the military marked the beginning of my real transformation. It was a departure from the familiar, a plunge into a world teeming with diversity and differing viewpoints. I met people from various backgrounds-- different nationalities, religions, races, sexual orientations-- and these encounters were eye-opening. They challenged my preconceived notions and introduced me to perspectives I had never considered.
Through these experiences, the realization dawned upon me that the version of the Republican Party I grew up with did not align with my personal values of acceptance, kindness, and empathy. The more I explored and understood, the more I found myself at odds with the principles I was raised to believe.
This journey wasn't just about political labels; it was a deeper quest for identity and morality. I realized that being a good American, and more importantly, a good person, means engaging in open, respectful discussions about our differences. It's about not viewing those with opposing views as enemies but as fellow countrymen and women, each with their own valid experiences and beliefs, with opinions hard earned and long held.
The increasing anger and chaos within the Republican ranks, especially among those advocating extreme viewpoints, further distanced me from my childhood political identity. The reluctance of Republican representatives to openly condemn alt-right movements, white power groups and neo-Nazis, coupled with threats of violence and disdain for constitutional principles, was alarming. It contradicted everything I stood for and everything being a member of the U.S. military meant to me.
My transformation into a Democrat stemmed from a desire for a more inclusive, compassionate approach to governance and society. It's crucial to understand that political affiliations do not define our moral compass; rather, they should reflect it. When we find ourselves at odds with a personal belief, it is imperative that we muster the courage to embrace change. This process of self-evaluation is not just about discarding what no longer suits us; it's a profound journey towards authenticity. In shedding the outdated layers of ourselves, we not only pave the way for our own growth and transformation but also inspire and empower those around us to embark on their own journeys of personal evaluation and growth.
My experience is a testament to the power of exposure to personal growth. It's a reminder that our beliefs can evolve, and that such evolution is a sign of strength. Political processes should be about building bridges, not walls, and recognizing that our shared humanity is far more powerful than any political divide. It is my hope that our nation’s parties can recover from the contentious nature that has evolved and strengthen our bonds and commitments to being a nation of diversity, shared values, and good, honest people.
I maintain deep respect and love for the conservative members of my family and community. We share a bond that transcends political ideologies, as should all Americans. My journey has taught me the importance of understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints, while also standing firm in my values. To me, it's about finding common ground and remembering that we are all Americans striving for a better country and world.
“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” ~ Abraham Lincoln