Harper’s path to the Senate means making it to the general election in November. With her particular life story and brand of making progressive policies work for everyone, Harper thinks that she is a better candidate than her Democratic opponent, Rep. Tim Ryan. “I believe that given my professional experience, my lived experience, I’m in the best position to mobilize that turnout,” Harper states. “Tim Ryan can’t put together the coalition necessary to win.”

Looking ahead to November’s general election, Harper recently debated against Republican Josh Mandel, one of several candidates looking to be the Republican nominee for the Ohio senate seat. Clips from the debate went viral, showing Mandel arguing with audience members and the moderator, as well as aiming multiple racist and sexist personal attacks at Harper. “He had the audacity to throw the angry Black woman trope at me twelve times,” Harper recalled. Whether the Republican candidate ends up being Mandel or another one of the GOP contenders — all “mini-Trumps,” according to Harper — she argues that it won’t be enough to demonstrate that they are awful. To win, Democrats need to nominate a candidate who “gives people a vision that makes it worth their while to actually show up to vote.” Even if she wins, Harper has promised that she is not a career politician and has pledged to serve no more than two terms — twelve years — in the Senate. “Twelve years is a lot of time to get something done. I feel a tremendous amount of urgency to have as much impact as possible while I’m in a position to serve.”

Harper will continue to express her vision to Ohio voters between now and the Democratic Primary held on Tuesday, May 3. The winner of that contest will face off against the eventual Republican nominee in the general election on Tuesday, November 8.

Morgan-Harper

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