Heidi Workman

Heidi Workman was born in Salem, Ohio. She earned a high school diploma from Carrollton High School. Workman earned bachelor's degrees from Bowling Green State University in 2004 and Kent State University in 2011. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner in the agricultural, manufacturing, and real estate industries. Workman has been affiliated with the National Rifle Association and Associated Builders and Contractors.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a wife, mother of four small children, conservative activist, former registered nurse, small businesswoman and entrepreneur. I believe in limited government, lower taxes, education reform, eradicating toxic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from our public colleges and universities, protecting the 2nd Amendment, securing the border, keeping biological males out of girls' sports and promoting policies that protect life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I will never betray the people of Portage County. I am a conservative. I will be a conservative representative. The people of Portage County always can count on me to fight for them. I strongly believe my values are Portage County values. I won't sell-out to the special interests in Columbus. I won't conspire with the Democrats in the Ohio House to thwart the implementation of conservative policies.I am a proud conservative. I believe in freedom, limited government, low taxes, protecting life, growing our economy and creating jobs and opportunities. I have a deep appreciation for the genius of our Founding Fathers -- who gave us the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights -- especially the 2nd Amendment that guarantees all the other rights written into the fabric of our national identity. I am passionate about serving my neighbors in Portage County. I can't wait to get to work fighting for the people for Portage County. I have a demonstrated ability to work with others. Despite running against an incumbent Republican, I have been endorsed by State Senator Jerry Cirino, State Rep. Derek Merrin, State Rep. Ron Ferguson, State Rep. Jennifer Gross, State Rep. Phil Plummer, the Portage County TEA Party, Ohio Value Voters, the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Ohio Conservatives PAC, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 and Josh Brown, the Ohio Republican State Central Committee member who sponsored the censure resolution against my opponent for betraying conservative values.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have never run for public office. I am a candidate from the People. I am a candidate of the People. I am a candidate for the People. As a constitutional conservative, I am passionate about freedom. I also believe strongly in individual responsibility. As a former nurse, I am passionate about healthcare issues. As an activist with grassroots experience fighting for conservative values, I care deeply about being the voice of the people and standing up for the folks of Portage County at the Statehouse in Columbus.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

In politics, Kari Lake, the gubernatorial and now the U.S. Senate candidate from Arizona. She represents her truth in powerful way.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Bible, The Federalist Papers, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, our founding documents and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

1. Integrity. An elected official must say what they mean and mean what they say. You can't lie to people. You can't betray your stated principles or your constituents.

2. Energy. An elected official must be willing to fight tirelessly for their principles and their constituents. Politics is tough. Governing can be enough tougher. You have to commit to the work necessary to get good things done.

3. Intellect. An elected official must be smart, creative, persistent and innovative. It's not easy to move legislation to passage in the House. You need to be intellectually nimble to navigate successfully through the legislative process.

4. Compassion. An elected official must be committed to helping people. The best elected officials understand they are public servants. It's important to be a good listener -- and an even more zealous advocate for the people you represent.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a fighter for freedom. I stand against corruption, deceit and betrayal. I am fearless. I possess great reverence for our founding era, the Declaration of Independence, our constitution and our God-given right to live free.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Represent and fight for the values of Portage County and the people of Portage County at the Statehouse in Columbus, every minute of every day. In the last decade, the people of Portage County have increasingly voted for conservative candidates. I believe I am best positioned, as a conservative, to represent them, fight for them and champion their values.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave Portage County, Ohio and our country in a much better place when I leave government service than when I entered. I hope this legacy will benefit my children and their children and all the people impacted and hopefully empowered by my service.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I'm at a loss on this one. I guess it was the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. I was about 20-years-old at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in corporate marketing in Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona. I had this job for seven years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Plato's Republic. It's the ancient vision for the perfect utopia.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Lady Galadriel in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The struggle has been to get to the point where my true purpose in life was fully realized. I never thought I would run for state representative but when the incumbent betrayed me and all conservatives by her actions, I was compelled to enter the race for state representative. It's been a struggle and a challenge to fight back but it's also been incredibly rewarding.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

When possible, the governor and the legislature should attempt to work together to pass, enact and implement good public policies that benefit the people and make Ohio a better place to live, work and raise a family. However, when the governor vetoes legislation supported by an overwhelming majority of the members of the legislature, I believe it is the duty of the legislature to override the the governor. During this legislative session, the governor vetoed the SAFE Act, which would have protected children from sexual mutilation surgeries and prevented biological boys from participating in girls' sports. The legislature voted to override the governor's veto on this legislation. If I were serving in the legislature, I would have voted to override the governor's veto, too.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Competitiveness. Job creation. Business climate. Taxes. Comprehensive education reform. Housing. Energy. Criminal justice. Immigration.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Obviously, it can be helpful but it certainly is not necessary. It's much more important for state legislators to have a wide range of experience, integrity, energy, great ideas, passion, intellect and a commitment to fight for their constituents.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Absolutely. No legislator can get good things done on their own. Passing legislation is a collaborative process. In my campaign, I am proud of the endorsements I have received from many members of the Ohio House and Senate, who have expressed their eagerness to work with me at the Statehouse after I am elected. Similarly, I look forward to working with my colleagues to move the conservative agenda forward in Ohio.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

State Senator Jerry Cirino has been very helpful to me and to my campaign. Senator Cirino is a leader in Columbus. Similarly, Rep. Derek Merrin, who was denied the speakership by my opponent and the other members of the Blue-22 and the Democrats last year, is a stalwart supporter. Reps. Ron Ferguson, Jennifer Gross and Phil Plummer are assisting me, as well. In Columbus, I will listen, learn and, whenever possible, seek to emulate the high standard of service and adherence to conservatism all of them demonstrate every day.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. I want to be the best representative Portage County has ever had in the Ohio House.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Frankly, every story I hear is important to me. The people of Portage County wear their hearts on their sleeves. They are good people. The love their families and friends, their communities, Ohio and their country very much. More than anything else, people tell me about the struggles they are experiencing as a result of the runaway inflation brought about by the Biden Administration's unprecedented spending. In Portage County, wages are not keeping up with higher prices. It's causing families to make tough decisions about what to pay for today and what to put off until another time. It's heartbreaking. As a result of these stories from real people forced to deal with real problems, as a state representative I will do everything I can to help reduce the basic cost of living for people.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Sorry, no idea about this question. Can't help you here.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

This is the wrong question. I think emergency powers have been misused. I believe it should be much more difficult to declare an emergency and suspend the rights of the people. I strongly believe in freedom and limited government. I am very wary of so-called "emergency" powers -- that don't respond to a real emergency -- and, in fact, are a questionable and potentially unconstitutional power-grab.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The elimination of the state income tax. Ohio competes with Tennessee, Texas and Florida for jobs and economic development. Tennessee, Texas and Florida do not have a state income tax. If Ohio is going to compete with these states for the jobs and opportunities of the future, we must eliminate Ohio's income tax.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Portage County TEA Party, Ohio Citizens PAC, Associated Builders and Contractors, Ohio Value Voters, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33, Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, Ohio Conservatives PAC, General Michael Flynn, State Senator Jerry Cirino, State Rep. Derek Merrin, State Rep. Ron Ferguson, State Rep. Jennifer Gross, State Rep. Phil Plummer, Charlestown Trustee Tim Patrick and Ohio State Republican Central Committee Member Josh Brown.

What committees interest you?

Ways and Means, Higher Education, Economic and Workforce Development, Agriculture and Public Health Policy.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Like Justice Brandeis, I believe sunshine is the best disinfectant. As a would-be citizen legislator, I strongly believe government must be accountable to the people. I support greater transparency in all aspects of governmental activity, not just financial transactions.