Shelby Kimball, a Democrat, is running for Ohio House of Representatives District 60 in the Nov. 3 general election. She faces Republican Brian Lorenz.

Kimball, who has not held prior elected office, said in our questionnaire that she decided to run "because I grew increasingly frustrated with a legislature that too often seems disconnected from the everyday concerns of Ohioans. Whether it's the rising cost of living, property taxes, public education, healthcare, or government accountability, I believe too many families feel their voices are not being heard."

Candidate information

Age: 33 as of April 2026

Party: Democrat

Family: "My husband and I are raising four kids, ages 16, 9, 6, and 4, so our house is rarely quiet! Between school, soccer, gymnastics, taekwondo, and everything else that comes with raising four kids, our calendar is always full."

Education: "I graduated from Big Walnut High School in Sunbury and the Delaware Area Career Center. As an adult, I returned to school and earned an associate degree in criminology from Columbus State Community College. This spring, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology and a minor in public policy."

Occupation and work history: "… I later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Maintenance Management Specialist, overseeing maintenance management for ground equipment, so think vehicles, weapons, and communications equipment. After completing my time in the Marine Corps, I joined the Army National Guard, serving in patient administration and overseeing medical readiness for soldiers across Vermont. Today, I am a medically retired veteran …"

Prior elected or appointed office: "No prior elected office."

Endorsements: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, AFL-CIO and Delaware County Democrats, according to BallotReady and DLCC.

Experience and public service

Asked what accomplishments show she can handle the job, Kimball said in our questionnaire: "Serving as a female Marine taught me how to walk into rooms where I may not have been expected, or always welcomed, and still earn the respect of the people around me. … I learned how to stand my ground, communicate clearly, and respectfully challenge decisions when necessary."

On the issues

Growth and property taxes: Asked what the state should do to help fast-growing communities manage growth, Kimball said: "I would advocate for bringing back the Fair School Funding plan and push to fully implement it. This bipartisan plan, which was scrapped in 2025 with the support of my opponent, would bring more of the costs of publicly educating our kids back to the state. When the state refuses to fund its fair share, districts are forced to put property tax levies on the ballot to raise the necessary funds."

School funding and vouchers: On easing property taxes while keeping schools like Olentangy and Dublin fully funded, Kimball said: "The current base-cost calculations still rely on FY2022 data, even though the costs of transportation, staffing, utilities, and other necessities have continued to rise. … The state needs to fund its fair share."

On vouchers, she said: "Private school vouchers no longer serve their original intended recipients: students with autism and special needs, and students from low-income families in "failing" districts. Nearly anyone can get a voucher, regardless of income."

Voter ID and breaking with her party: Asked about Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR 10), which would write Ohio's strict photo ID law into the state constitution, Kimball said: "I don't support SJR 10. … Voter fraud is not an issue. We do not need strict voter ID laws in the constitution, creating permanent hurdles to exercising our right to vote."

On where she would break with her party, she said: "I am a responsible gun owner and firmly believe in the 2nd Amendment. This is likely at odds with some in my party. I do view this right, however, as one that needs guardrails. I believe in universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, stronger red flag laws, firearm restrictions for domestic abusers, and investing in training."