Candidate ignores county party warning, mails misleading “voter guide”

For the second week in a row, we’re reporting on questionable tactics in a Democratic primary. Last week, we highlighted a candidate in the Ohio House District 19 race backed by a far-right PAC. This week, another candidate in the same race is attempting to mislead voters by implying she is the party’s endorsed choice—and by using the names of actual endorsed Democrats to do it.

Solon’s own Dionna Gore recently shared a social media graphic suggesting she is the “Democrats’ Best Choice.” The image prominently features endorsed candidates like Amy Acton, Sherrod Brown, and Chris Ronayne—while placing Gore’s name alongside theirs without their consent.

The problem: Dionna Gore is NOT the endorsed candidate. That distinction belongs to Nicole Sigurdson.

The sad thing is this tactic is right out of the GOP playbook. In fact, just last week, Republican voters in Geauga County received a fake slate card of their own (with the county spelled wrong)—touting candidates not endorsed by their own party. Are these the tactics we use in Cuyahoga County Democratic Party politics? Let’s hope not.

Party endorsements exist for a reason. In this case, candidates were first screened by city leaders in the district. Their recommendation then moved to the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Executive Committee members who live in the district. These members reviewed questionnaires, heard candidate presentations, and evaluated qualifications, leadership approach, and electability. To secure endorsement, a candidate must receive at least 60% support. Sigurdson earned it with a 61%–39% vote.

Traditionally, candidates who fall short step aside and unify behind the endorsed candidate to strengthen the party heading into the general election. Gore chose to remain in the race—which is her right. Misrepresenting endorsement status is not.

The concern deepens with her use of a slate-style graphic that includes nearly every endorsed Democrat on the ballot—except judicial candidate William Vodrey—without their apparent consent. Multiple endorsed candidates contacted this week indicated they were unaware their names were being used and did not appreciate being associated with these tactics.

After being alerted to the scheme, the county party warned Gore about mimicking official Democratic sample ballots. She ignored the warning and proceeded with a direct mailing to voters in the district—and continues to share the graphic online.

Voters deserve clarity, not confusion—especially in a primary where trust and transparency should be baseline expectations. We’re Democrats, not MAGA.