Mike Roberto

Mike Roberto (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Ohio State Senate to represent District 27. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

After 34 years as an teacher, coach, and school administrator, the last five as Superintendent of the Aurora City Schools, Mike Roberto is now running for the open State Senate seat in District 27. District 27 is projected to be the most competitive State Senate District this November and includes all of Portage County along with portions of Summit & Geauga Counties. It is a district in which Mike was born and raised and has lived in for over 50 years. You will often hear him say he is "rooted in the area" or specifically ROOTED IN OHIO. Being ROOTED IN OHIO is one of the reasons Mike is running for the State Senate as he wants to build on his 34 years of being a public servant. Over that time Mike always found a way to serve in one form or another. In fact, Mike learned to lead by serving others. It is a leadership style that he believes can be effective across State Senate District 27 as well as down in Columbus.

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?

Education is a major plank in Mike's campaign platform as education is important. It is the "tide that raises all boats" no matter of your social economic status and a democracy will deteriorate without an educated population. Mike is concerned about the erosion of support for kids attending public schools in Ohio. It is an erosion, both fiscally and constitutionally, that he has witnessed over the last 20 years as an educator. Specifically, the current majority party's lack of fulling funding the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan and shift of $2 billion of public funds to private schools through the expansion of Universal School Vouchers are the two main educational concerns that need addressed.Affordability is another concern for Mike. Lack of affordable housing, high property taxes, the rising cost of food and energy, along with cuts to essential services such a as medicare and medicaid. However, Mike believes these concerns are all symptoms of a bigger problem and that problem is lack of support from the State over the years and particularly from the majority party in Columbus. As an example, in the late 90's 46% of property taxes in Ohio were generated from residents and local agriculture. Today, almost 70% of property taxes are generated from residents/agriculture with only 30% coming from large corporations. This is the actual problem that needs to be reversed in order to help everyday Ohioans make ends meet.The current majority party in Columbus is making choices that is impacting us all. They are choosing to lower taxes for the wealthy in the form of a 2.75% flat income tax which is projected to bring in over $1 billion less revenue into Ohio without providing a tax break to working class Ohioans making less than $100K annually. They are also choosing to shift the tax burden from large corporations to the backs of blue collar workers. The property tax shift mentioned earlier is one example and the $600 million of public funds being given to a private company to build a stadium in Cleveland is another. This is actually part of $1.7 billion of public funds set aside for similar projects. There needs to be a different voice in Columbus.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Affordability, & Environmental Sustainability which includes a balance between economic & environmental demands in District 27 are three key areas of our public policy. Education & affordability were already discussed so it is important to share more about environmental sustainability. SD27 is home to the Cuyahoga River and Ohio's only National Park (Cuyahoga Valley). This means it is important to support the H2Ohio & H2Ohio Rivers programs which have shown to help the area both economically & environmentally. Also, collaborating with local farmers to support & meet their needs including the potential for alternative forms of energy such as solar and wind energy will be important for all of OH.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Ohio Federation of Teachers as of 3/2/26

Others to follow