Morgan Harper enters race for U.S. Senate

SANDUSKY — A Columbus attorney who describes herself as a progressive has entered the Democratic primary for next year's U.S Senate race. Morgan Harper, who said she is a consumer protection attorney and community organizer, will face U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan. Ryan lives in the Youngstown area and made a campaign stop in Perkins Township in July, speaking to local Democrats. Harper ran for the U.S. House last year but was defeated. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, has announced he will retire next year, setting up a race for an open U.S. Senate seat. Portman's announcement has set off a lively contest in the GOP primary. Republican candidates include Josh Mandel, the former state treasurer; J.D. Vance, the author of "Hillbilly Elegy"; Jane Timken, former chairman of the Ohio Republican Party; and Bernie Moreno, a Cleveland businessman. Ryan has not faced a serious primary opponent, but Harper's announcement suggests Democrats might want to start paying attention. "Ohio needs fresh, new leadership in Washington and a new game plan. Built from the ground up, door by door, block by block. It's time for an Ohio where a woman's right to choose is always protected, and we keep our streets safe from gun violence. Where workers get paid what we deserve. And where we finally achieve racial justice," Harper said in a video announcing her campaign. Harper served in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during the Obama administration. Harper challenged U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, in the Democratic primary in 2020 but lost by a wide margin with Beatty winning 68% and Harper getting 32%. Press coverage depicted Harper as a member of the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wing of the Democratic Party. In her announcement, Harper vowed her new race will be different.