Several well-known Democrats have now expressed an interest in leading the party once chairman Chris Redfern’s resignation takes effect last month. Term-limited State Rep. Bob Hagan of Youngstown, who won a seat on the state school board, says he’s interested, and that he won’t run for U.S. Senate in 2016.
“I’m no longer a candidate," Hagan said. "I would be the chairman of the party, and I would talk about the issues that really are important. And that to me is what we should be doing as a Democratic Party.”
Another possible contender is Sharen Neuhardt, the running mate of failed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald.
Two other losing statewide candidates are also on the list – David Pepper is considered the frontrunner right now as chair, but he and Nina Turner have talked about the party leadership.
And on the county level, Geauga County Democratic Party chair Janet Carson has also said she’s interested.
