More Nasty Attacks on Endorsed Democrats							
					
															
More Nasty Attacks on Endorsed Democrats

					
					
Apr 26, 2026 | Alert, News

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
				

					
More Nasty Attacks on Endorsed Democrats

				

				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				

			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
More Nasty Attacks on Endorsed Democrats










Bad actors and shadowy characters attempt to mislead voters


Stop us if you’ve heard this before.


For the third week in a row, we’re reporting on questionable tactics in a Democratic primary. The last two weeks, it was on an Ohio House candidate trying to trick voters with deceptive sample ballots and claiming that she was the endorsed Democratic candidate when she didn’t even get 40% of the endorsement vote. Or another benefitting from a right wing PAC pumping junk mail into the district.


This week, our other ENDORSED Ohio House candidate, Davida Russell (seeking to represent Orange and Woodmere) was the victim of an extremely shadowy attack that accused her of being a liar (with two weird Pinocchio references) while attacking her for being a school bus driver—as if a bus driver were somehow unworthy of holding elected office.




The poorly designed piece suggests that voters should elect Russell’s main opponent in the race, but it’s not clear if the opponent candidate had anything to do with it. The mailer is paid for with a disclaimer by “Concerned Citizens”—whatever that’s supposed to mean. Let’s hope this coming week brings an end to this garbage.


As you prepare to vote, please remember our endorsed candidates Davida Russell and Nicole Sigurdson. While others are throwing mud or letting PACs do their dirty work, these two have been running campaigns they can be proud of. Focused on issues. Hitting the doors. Having real conversations. Building coalitions for the fall. That’s what good Democrats do and how we’ll win in November.


 









			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
In the News

			

				
				
				
				
				

					
			
				
			


				More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary
														
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

				
					
Apr 19, 2026 | 
A Democratic candidate in the 19th District Ohio House 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.


			
			

				
			


				Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?
														
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

				
					
Apr 12, 2026 | 
Why is an extreme right wing PAC called “Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund” backing candidate Cheryl Perez in the Ohio House race against endorsed Democrat Nicole Sigurdson?


			
			

				

				

				 
			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
					

			
					


											
								More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary							
					
															
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

					
					
Apr 19, 2026 | News

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
				

					
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

				

				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				

			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary










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.


 









			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
In the News

			

				
				
				
				
				

					
			
				
			


				More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary
														
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

				
					
Apr 19, 2026 | 
A Democratic candidate in the 19th District Ohio House 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.


			
			

				
			


				Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?
														
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

				
					
Apr 12, 2026 | 
Why is an extreme right wing PAC called “Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund” backing candidate Cheryl Perez in the Ohio House race against endorsed Democrat Nicole Sigurdson?


			
			

				

				

				 
			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
					

			
					


											
								Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?							
					
															
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

					
					
Apr 12, 2026 | News

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
				

					
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

				

				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				

			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Voting Begins in the Democratic Primary?










Confusion in the mailbox as right wing PAC promotes Democratic candidate


Democratic voters in the 19th District (Bentleyville, Chagrin Falls, Hunting Valley, Moreland Hills, Pepper Pike) this week reported receiving mail paid for by a right wing PAC called “Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund” and wondered who the group was and why they were backing candidate Cheryl Perez in the race against endorsed Democrat Nicole Sigurdson.


After doing a little digging, here’s what we learned:


Two years ago, the PAC was behind an ad attacking Democratic Ohio Supreme Court candidates Melody Stewart, Michael Donnelly, and Lisa Forbes.


The ad accused the three of being soft on murderers and child molesters. All three candidates lost the race and it dramatically reshaped the court.




According to Judge The Ads, part of Common Cause Ohio, the PAC generally supports Republican judicial candidates and has been funded in part by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA); and Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the billionaire owners of the Cleveland Browns.


Last month, Cleveland.com reported on the same group backing Perez: Five groups poured millions in dark money into 2024 Ohio Supreme Court races, study finds


So why would a right wing PAC that supports Republican judicial candidates be mailing as many as four pieces in the first week of voting to Democratic houses in the 19th district—supporting Cheryl Perez over endorsed candidate Nicole Sigurdson? 


We hoped to ask Perez about this funding at our meeting on Thursday, but she did not attend. Stay tuned as we try to learn more. Want to avoid confusion? Download our Democratic Sample Ballot and keep it with you when you vote.









			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
In the News

			

				
				
				
				
				

					
			
				
			


				More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary
														
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

				
					
Apr 19, 2026 | 
A Democratic candidate in the 19th District Ohio House 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.


			
			

				
			


				Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?
														
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

				
					
Apr 12, 2026 | 
Why is an extreme right wing PAC called “Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund” backing candidate Cheryl Perez in the Ohio House race against endorsed Democrat Nicole Sigurdson?


			
			

				

				

				 
			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
					

			
					


											
								Meeting Minutes: February 2026							
					
															
Meeting Minutes: February 2026

					
					
Feb 8, 2026 | Meeting

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
				

					
Meeting Minutes: February 2026

				

				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				

			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
February 2026 Meeting Recap










Minutes of the meeting of the Chagrin Gateway Democrats on Feb. 5, 2026 at the Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library


Chagrin Gateway Democratic Club Meeting Summary

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 – 6:30 pm

Orange Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library


270 Days Until the 2026 Midterm Elections


The meeting began with announcements of exciting upcoming events:


Events Committee Meeting

Feb. 10 at 6:30 pm inside Eton near Kilgore Trout


Robert Bierman, Minnesota State Representative

Feb. 15 at 6:30 pm, Zoom


Amy Acton, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Governor

Feb. 19 at 7 pm at Chagrin Falls Township Hall (doors open at 6 pm)


Resistance Fair

Feb. 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Cleveland Heights-University Heights High School


Gateway Pints Social Hour

Feb. 26 from 5 pm to 7 pm

Saucy Brew Works at Pinecrest


Next Club Monthly Meeting

March 5 at 6:30 pm at the Orange Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library


The featured speaker was Rebecca Gorski, Political Director of the North Shore AFL-CIO who shared important information about unions in the United States, in Ohio, and in Northeast Ohio.


    

  • Ohio is one of the states with the highest percentages of unionized workers at 13%
    • 

  • In Cuyahoga County, the percent in some areas is higher. Brook Park is the highest at 24%
    • 

  • Nationally, union membership is around 10.7%, but only 7% if you exclude federal employees
    • 

  • It is important to expand unions. Union members enjoy higher wages, more health care coverage, more paid sick leave, better retirement benefits and safer workplaces than nonunion employees.
    • 



The North Shore AFL-CIO works on this a number of ways, including:


    

  • family friendly events to teach the importance of union membership to kids, including through a Labor Day children’s art contest.
    • 

  • a legislative program to work with elected officials at the local and state levels to protect workers’ rights and oppose the easing of child labor laws
    • 

  • working with not for profit organizations, who can be more antiunion than for profit companies
    • 

  • More information is available at their website:
    
https://northshoreaflcio.org/
    • 



At the end of the meeting, candidates for local offices (or their representatives) asked the club members for support:


    

  • Brian Poindexter for US House District 7, currently held by Republican Max Miller
    • 

  • Robert Schleper on behalf of Sunny Simon for domestic relations court
    • 

  • Jennifer McTernan for court of common pleas
    • 

  • Pastor Aaron Phillips on behalf of Anjanette Whitman for domestic relations court
    • 

  • Nicole Sigurdson and Dionna Gore for Ohio house district 19
    • 

  • Diane Russell for court of common pleas
    
A representative of Fallon Radigan for court of common pleas
    • 

  • Jeff Crossman for court of appeals
    • 

  • Gabe Crenshaw for Ohio house district 18
    • 



Rep. Juanita Brent, Ohio house district 18, provided information about pro-ICE bills currently under consideration by the Ohio legislature. Please see the attached information to let representatives know you are opposed to these bills.


 













			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
In the News

			

				
				
				
				
				

					
			
				
			


				More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary
														
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

				
					
Apr 19, 2026 | 
A Democratic candidate in the 19th District Ohio House 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.


			
			

				
			


				Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?
														
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

				
					
Apr 12, 2026 | 
Why is an extreme right wing PAC called “Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund” backing candidate Cheryl Perez in the Ohio House race against endorsed Democrat Nicole Sigurdson?


			
			

				

				

				 
			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
					

			
					


											
								Meeting Minutes: November 2025							
					
															
Meeting Minutes: November 2025

					
					
Nov 15, 2025 | Meeting

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
				

					
Meeting Minutes: November 2025

				

				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				

			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
November 2025 Meeting Recap










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 stopped from  passing out literature to 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.













			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
In the News

			

				
				
				
				
				

					
			
				
			


				More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary
														
More Confusing Tactics in Democratic Primary

				
					
Apr 19, 2026 | 
A Democratic candidate in the 19th District Ohio House 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.


			
			

				
			


				Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?
														
Voting Begins in the DEMOCRATIC Primary?

				
					
Apr 12, 2026 | 
Why is an extreme right wing PAC called “Ohioans for a Healthy Economy Action Fund” backing candidate Cheryl Perez in the Ohio House race against endorsed Democrat Nicole Sigurdson?