Minutes of the meeting of the Chagrin Gateway Democrats on Nov. 6, 2025 at the Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

The room was full with Democrats who were happy and relieved about the success of the party across the US on Nov. 4.

The meeting began with a recap of local races. Most of the candidates who sought the endorsement of the Chagrin Gateway Dems were successful:

Anthony Fossaceca, Chagrin Falls Village Council
Christabel Devadoss, Moreland Hills Village Council
Eric Meli, Moreland Hills Village Council
Rebecca Boyle, Orange Board of Education (incumbent)
Nakeshia Nickerson, Woodmere Village Mayor
Amal Liddell, Woodmere Village Council

Chavone Taylor Nash, endorsed by the club for Orange Board of Education, is in a tie with candidate Julie Lawrence. The final results are not in at the time of this newsletter.

Ref Luevano ran a great campaign for Moreland Hills Village Council. The club was proud to support him and is grateful to him for stepping up to run.

There was a lengthy discussion of rules for campaigning at polling places on Election Day. At Orange High School, the rules of the Orange Board of Education were being enforced although they are more restrictive than the law. Candidate advocates were not allowed to speak with voters. Given the situation with the Orange Board of Education result as it currently stands, with Dr. Nash and Julie Lawrence in a tie with 1881 votes each, the inability to speak with voters may have affected the outcome. Going forward, the club will get clarification about rules and laws and make sure the Board of Elections is made aware of candidate intimidation or obstruction.

Nicole Sigurdson and Dionna Gore are Democrats running to replace Ohio House District 19 Representative Phil Robinson, who is term-limited. Nicole and Dionna spoke to the club and will be at future meetings.

Judicial candidates who will be on the ballot for the May 5, 2026 primary election stopped in to introduce themselves. Attendees heard from Common Pleas Court judicial candidates Jennifer McTernan, Fallon Radigan, Ashley Kilbane, and Daryl Dennie, as well as Court of Appeals candidate Jeff Crossman.

The next meeting is on December 4.