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Tim Godwin

LibertarianFirst-time candidate

Tim Godwin is a Libertarian candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 97 in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Tim Godwin served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005. Godwin earned a high school diploma from Sheridan High School.[1]

High school:
Sheridan High School

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Tim Godwin grew up in Central Ohio graduating of Mid-East Career and Technology Centers in Zanesville in 2001, reflecting his commitment to skilled trades and local education. He a proud Marine Corps Veteran (2001–2005) who brings a disciplined focus on duty and accountability.

After the Marines, Tim built a strong career in the private sector — first as a truck driver, then as a mobile mechanic — experiences that shaped his understanding of the hard-working Ohioans who keep our communities moving.

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 support stronger accountability for elected officials and law enforcement. Public office is a public trust, and no one should be above the law. I will advocate for independent investigations of misconduct, clear standards for removal when abuse of power occurs, and transparency in government actions. Qualified immunity should not shield willful violations of constitutional rights. Restoring public confidence requires equal justice, due process, and meaningful consequences for those who betray the public’s trust.I support education reform that puts parents and students first. Funding should follow the student, not the system, allowing families to choose public, private, charter, or homeschool options that best fit their child’s needs. Schools must focus on core academics, transparency, and measurable results. I support reducing administrative bloat, increasing vocational and career training opportunities, and ensuring curriculum decisions are accountable to parents and local communities — not distant bureaucracies.I support abolishing or significantly reforming property taxes in Ohio. Homeowners should not be taxed out of homes they have already paid for simply because government valuations rise. If elected, I will pursue caps on valuation increases, require voter approval for any new tax burdens, increase transparency, and protect seniors and working families from being priced out of their homes. Long term, I support transitioning to a fairer, more transparent funding system that respects property rights and prioritizes spending restraint.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about defending individual liberty, protecting constitutional rights, and restoring accountability in government. That includes property tax reform, government transparency, equal justice under the law, and protecting the Second Amendment. I believe public policy should prioritize working families, small businesses, and local communities — not entrenched bureaucracies or special interests. My focus is on limiting government overreach, strengthening parental rights in education, and ensuring that elected and appointed officials are held to the same legal standards as the citizens they serve.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Endorsed by U.S. Term Limits

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

Source(opens in new tab)
Tim Godwin — Ohio House of Representatives District 97 candidate, 2026 | True Vote