After weeks of consideration, Athensâ Democratic Mayor Steve Patterson decided not to run for Congress in the upcoming special election, citing uncertainty in the future Ohioâs solidly Republican 15th district after redistricting and reapportionment.
He reached the decision following many conversations with Ohio politicos, people considering campaigns for the seat, and past 15th district candidates â including Rick Neal and Joel Newby, both Democrats who lost their respective 2018 and 2020 races by fairly wide margins against outgoing Republican Rep. Steve Stivers, who's stepping down May 16 for a top lobbying job.
âIt was an honor to really take a deep dive and consider it strongly,â Patterson, whoâs served as Athensâ mayor since 2016, said in an interview. âThatâs not to say I wouldnât consider running in the future sometime for a higher office, but itâs just not in the cards this time around.â