Ohio Republican Orlando Sonza announced on Monday his candidacy to run for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District in 2024.
U.S. Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) is currently in that seat and is serving his 1st term in Congress.
Sonza (pictured above) is the first Republican to announce his candidacy for this position.
The Republican previously ran for election to the Ohio State Senate to represent District 9. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022, to Democratic candidate Catherine Ingram.
According to Sonza, he is committed to being an effective legislative leader representing Ohio’s 1st Congressional District.
“I am committed to working tirelessly to represent the needs and interests of the Ohioans of the First Congressional District, and to fight for policies that will make a positive difference in their lives,” Sonza said.
As a certified public accountant and an IRS registered agent, Sonza has a range of professional skills. Between 2013 to 2016, Sonza was a member of the United States Army. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 from the United States Military Academy, a master’s in 2018 from the University of Cincinnati, and a juris doctorate in 2022 from the Georgetown University Law Center. Sonza currently serves as an assistant Hamilton County prosecutor.
The Republican said his vast work history has prepared him to be an effective leader in Ohio’s 1st Congressional District.
“My strong commitment to public service has not only been a career path but a way of life. It is a value that I instill in my four children and one that I hope to inspire in others. It has also led me to take the next step in my journey by running for U.S. Congress,” Sonza said.
Sonza says that some of his priorities include decreasing inflation, simplifying the tax code, increasing small business tax incentives, reducing wasteful government spending, increasing funding for community policing, investing in law enforcement training and resources, ensuring all students are eligible for school choice vouchers, and getting funding for Ohio’s infrastructure improvements.
According to Sonza, leadership is not just about taking charge and giving orders. It’s about leading by example and putting the needs of others before your own.
“True leaders are those who are committed to serving others and making a difference in their communities,” Sonza said.
Sonza says that public service is about more than just government work—it’s about finding ways to positively impact people’s lives and helping them achieve their goals.
“My strong commitment to public service has not only been a career path but a way of life. It is a value that I instill in my four children and one that I hope to inspire in others. It has also led me to take the next step in my journey by running for U.S. Congress,” Sonza said.
No other candidates have yet to come forwards to unseat Landsman for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District in 2024.
The Ohio Star contacted Sonza and the Republican Party of Hamilton County for comment but did not receive a reply before press time.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Orlando Sonza” by Orlando Sonza.
