Jessica Harper

Jessica Harper (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Ohio House of Representatives to represent District 93. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a public educator who has been in the classroom for ten years, and I currently teach American Government to high school students. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Education degree from Ohio University. I am the president of our local teachers' union, a county representative for our district affiliate, and a member of the Ohio Education Association Board of Directors. I have entered the political arena because I feel a change in representation for our district is needed. Our district needs a representative who will listen to its constituents and vote to do what is best for them and the district.

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?

Public education funding has taken a major blow recently in our district. I will work to secure funding for public education that will not rely on taxpayers to carry the majority of the financial burden. I intend to re-route public funds from the EdChoice voucher program for private and charter schools back to where it belongs: fully funding public education.District 93 has an abundance of natural resources and agricultural land that must be protected from the construction of data centers. The citizens of district 93 must also be protected. We do not want data centers that will pollute our land, water, and air, and drastically reduce real estate valuation. I oppose the construction of data centers in the district, and I will work diligently to protect the precious agricultural land within the district. Once our agricultural land is taken for data centers, that land will never be able to be used as agricultural land again.I want my constituents to trust that I am working for them. Transparency is something that is lacking with politicians. I want constituents to know that I will be available to them, and I want them to feel comfortable approaching me to discuss any concerns, ideas, or frustrations they have.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Taxation in Ohio needs an overhaul. Property tax reform is at the top of the list. Homeowners in my district are being taxed out of their homes, because legislators currently in the General Assembly are relying on property taxes to cover a bulk of public education funding. Property tax abatement needs to be re-evaluated for large corporations that will not provide improvements or increase employment in areas where they are considering expansion. Sales tax exemption for data center construction also needs to be re-evaluated. Data centers will not improve the local economy in the long run, therefore, they should not be exempt from paying a sales tax on construction materials and equipment.