TOLEDO, Ohio —
A new name will be on the ballot this November in the race for Ohio's District 2 Senate seat.
In March, at just 18 years old, Paloma De La Fuente secured enough votes to make it on the ballot as a Democrat and challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Theresa Gavarone.
She needed 50 to qualify. She received more than 700 as a write-in.
Now 19, De La Fuente, a University of Toledo student and Perrysburg native, says one of her goals is to bridge a widening gap between the two major parties.
"We see the radical of both sides ruling politics right now and a lot more people are in the middle than we think," she said.
Her campaign is also not centered around her young age.
"People can expect me to listen first, and I always like to lead with that because I think that politicians often come to the table and just want to tell you what the issues are. I want to hear what the issues are first," De La Fuente said.
She also believes it's important to give constituents equal opportunity, "Especially when it comes to issues like public education and supporting working class families and lowering taxes and making energy more affordable."
The race could be an uphill battle for the new politician, though, as Gavarone brings years of experience to the table.
Before being sworn in as senator in 2019, Gavarone served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. Before that, she was on the Bowling Green City Council.
But De La Fuente said the experience gap doesn't make her hesitate.
"I'm not nervous at all. I feel at home in the place that I'm in right now," she said.
In a statement to WTOL 11, Gavarone wrote:
"I attribute a lot of my success in the legislature to my experience as a mother, wife, locally elected official, small business owner, and attorney.
You don't generally see kids right out of high school running for office because men and women with families are not too keen on the idea of their interests at the statehouse being represented by someone without practical life experience.
While my opponent being a teenager may be a fun story, I suspect voters are more interested in someone who will continue fighting against the Biden-Harris inflation rates, ensure that our elections are fair and secure, and protect our constitutional rights."