Artino withdraws from Ohio House race

HURON — This fall's race for Ohio House District 89 in Erie and Ottawa counties appears to be largely set after one of the Democrats pulled out, only days after he filed to run. Sam Artino, a member of Huron's city council and the city's former mayor, withdrew his petitions for the race on Thursday, according to an announcement from the Erie County elections board. Artino's decision left Easton Retzke as the only Democrat in the race. Retzke will face the incumbent, state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, in the fall election. The election board was scheduled to meet on Friday to approve candidates and local ballot issues for the May primary. There's still time for write-in candidates and independent candidates to file for the office. Artino's speaks In a letter to the election board, Artino threw his support behind Retzke: This election is about doing what is best for the residents of House District 89 and state of Ohio. It is not about me. After researching my May primary opponent, I realize this young man is educated, knowledgeable and dedicated to serve people. Young people, like him, are the future of this state and country. I have always encouraged young people to get involved to help make a difference within their community. Therefore, I will withdraw my name from nomination in the May 5th primary. I ask all my supporters to join me in supporting Mr. Retzke in the general election to be held on Nov. 3. Retzke ready to run Retzke, 21, said he's grateful to get Artino's support. He launched his campaign in August. He has a bachelor's degree in political science, graduating in May 2025 from The Ohio State University. "My priorities include rebuilding our local economy through new industry and good jobs, ensuring government spending truly serves the public, improving K–12 education funding where it's needed most, and tackling the affordable housing crisis so families can stay in their homes," the candidate wrote on his LinkedIn page. A 2022 Sandusky High School graduate, Retzke was the secretary of his senior class and spent part of his senior year as an intern at the Sandusky Register. He also worked at Sawmill Creek Resort and as a student assistant at The Ohio State University College and Arts and Sciences. He also has an antique business, Retzke & Co., which has an online shop at Etsy.