Ohio State Representative, District 55
November 3, 2026 · general election · District 55 · 3 candidates with a page
The seat is held. Rep. C. Michelle Teska (R) has held the seat since January 2025 and is running for re-election.
Sources: Ohio House of Representatives District 55 · Representative Michelle Teska - District 55
About this district
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Chamber | District | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio House | Ohio House, Ohio's 55th District | Ohio State Representative, District 55 |
Counties: Warren
Last time, 2024: C. Michelle Teska (Republican) 72.5% · 51,698 votes; Laura Marie Davis (Democratic) 27.5% · 19,583 votes.
Sources: 2024 Official Election Results · LaRose certifies official 2024 general election results
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by surname. Ohio rotates the order candidates appear in by precinct, so no order on this page is the order on a ballot.
- Business executive
7 of 11 sections researched · 15 sources
- Describes himself as a teacher, a pipefitter, and a rock and roll poet
5 of 11 sections researched · 8 sources
- Her career experience includes working as a sales manager.
- Michelle Teska earned a B.S. in communication and media studies from the University of Dayton
9 of 11 sections researched · 22 sources
Paul Kurtz
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | researched |
| claims | not researched |
| record | none found |
| money | researched |
| interests | not researched |
| polling | not researched |
| elections | researched |
| endorsements | researched |
| sources | researched |
Philip L. Pirdy
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | none found |
| claims | not researched |
| record | none found |
| money | researched |
| interests | not researched |
| polling | not researched |
| elections | researched |
| endorsements | none found |
| sources | researched |
C. Michelle Teska
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | researched |
| claims | not researched |
| record | researched |
| money | researched |
| interests | researched |
| polling | not researched |
| elections | researched |
| endorsements | researched |
| sources | researched |
The race in pictures
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Status |
|---|
| None found in the records checked |
A note on our coverage
Read before the columns: where one candidate has more entries than another, this says which of the two reasons it is.
Endorsements received: C. Michelle Teska has 4 entries, Paul Kurtz has 4 entries and Philip L. Pirdy has 0 entries. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Where they stand: Paul Kurtz has 8 entries, C. Michelle Teska has 4 entries and Philip L. Pirdy has 0 entries. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
C. Michelle Teska's record in office has 5 entries, Paul Kurtz's has 0 and Philip L. Pirdy's has 0. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Sources: C. Michelle Teska has 13 entries, Paul Kurtz has 8 entries and Philip L. Pirdy has 6 entries. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Jump to a candidate
- Paul Kurtz: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
- Philip L. Pirdy: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
- C. Michelle Teska: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
Where they stand
Their own words, by issue, with the date, the venue and the link. A paraphrase is marked as one.
Data centers
Paul Kurtz
None found in the records checked
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
State Representatives Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) and Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Township) today introduced House Bill 983, the Data Center Accountability and Citizen Protection Act, legislation that gives Ohio citizens the final say before massive data center projects are built in their communities while protecting taxpayers, ratepayers, private property owners, and Ohio's natural resources.
Education
Paul Kurtz
Education and training are the foundations for economic success and prosperity in a globalized world. Every child deserves access to high-quality education and training regardless of their background.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
None found in the records checked
Elections and voting
Paul Kurtz
Across Ohio, voting rights are under mounting pressure from laws that disproportionately affect seniors, students, low-income voters, and communities of color.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
State Representative Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Township) today highlights her support of two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 293 – legislation that would require all mailed absentee ballots to be delivered to the board of elections by poll closing on Election Day, and House Bill 88 – legislation to directly combat drug trafficking in Ohio.
Environment and water
Paul Kurtz
The environmental crisis is one of the most pressing global challenges, affecting ecosystems, economies, and human health.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
None found in the records checked
Government ethics
Paul Kurtz
Americans overwhelmingly support reducing the role of money in politics, but real change requires strong public pressure and legislative action.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
None found in the records checked
Health care
Paul Kurtz
Ohio ranks #36 and #40 in Health Care Access and Public Health in 2025. Proposed Medicaid cuts, hospital closures and rising costs will continue to cause chaos to Ohioans.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
None found in the records checked
Housing
Paul Kurtz
Rent has doubled while wages stayed flat — and families need a chance to catch their breath. Every Ohioan — in cities, rural areas and suburbs — deserves a shot at affordable housing.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
None found in the records checked
Jobs and the economy
Paul Kurtz
All work has value, and I'm focused on restoring dignity to those who build this country. Economic empowerment strengthens our communities, creates opportunities, and ensures financial stability for working families.
Source: PMK's Issues & Solutions
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
None found in the records checked
Public safety
Paul Kurtz
None found in the records checked
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
State Representative Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Twp.) yesterday voted in support of House Bill 249, also known as the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act. The bill aims to protect Ohio’s children, preserve family values, and update Ohio’s outdated obscenity laws.
Why they are running
Paul Kurtz
Fighting to make life affordable for working families in Ohio.
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
As a strong conservative, I work to reduce the size of government, protect taxpayers, and defend the freedoms and values that matter to 55th District families.
What they have said, checked
Newest first. Each check is shown in the checker's own rating word, with their name, the date and the link.
Paul Kurtz
Not yet researched
Philip L. Pirdy
Not yet researched
C. Michelle Teska
Not yet researched
Record in office
Dated actions. Any evaluation of an action is printed with the name of whoever made it and the link.
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Person | Date | Kind | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teska (R) | 2025-01-01 | office | Ohio State Representative, District 55 |
| Teska (R) | 2025-04-09 | vote | 2025-04-09 (vote): Voted no on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House-passed version) (House Bill 96); the House vote was 60-39 and t |
| Teska (R) | 2025-06-11 | vote | 2025-06-11 (vote): Voted no on whether the House would concur in the Senate's amendments to the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bi |
| Teska (R) | 2025-06-25 | vote | 2025-06-25 (vote): Voted no on the conference committee report on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote was |
| Teska (R) | 2025-07-21 | vote | 2025-07-21 (vote): Voted to override the governor's veto of item 66 in House Bill 96; the item removed local authority to place replacement property-tax levies |
| Teska (R) | 2026-06-10 | vote | 2026-06-10 (vote): Did not vote on adopting the joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require identification to vote, placing it on the Nove |
Paul Kurtz
None found in the records checked
Philip L. Pirdy
None found in the records checked
C. Michelle Teska
-
June 10, 2026 · vote
Did not vote on adopting the joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require identification to vote, placing it on the November 3, 2026 ballot as Issue 3 (Senate Joint Resolution 10); the House vote was 62-30 and the motion passed.
Sources: Senate Joint Resolution 10: votes · Senate Joint Resolution 10
-
July 21, 2025 · vote
Voted to override the governor's veto of item 66 in House Bill 96; the item removed local authority to place replacement property-tax levies and certain emergency levies on the ballot (the House vote was 61-28, override succeeded).
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
June 25, 2025 · vote
Voted no on the conference committee report on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote was 59-38 and the motion passed.
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
June 11, 2025 · vote
Voted no on whether the House would concur in the Senate's amendments to the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote was 1-85 and the motion failed.
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
April 9, 2025 · vote
Voted no on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House-passed version) (House Bill 96); the House vote was 60-39 and the motion passed.
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
Money
Totals and donors exactly as filed with the FEC or the Ohio Secretary of State, each figure with its filing link.
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Status |
|---|
| None found in the records checked |
Paul Kurtz
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| From | To | Dollars | Share of total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised | Spent | 8,431.62 | 74.1% | |
| Raised | Cash on hand | 1,095 | 9.6% | |
| Raised | Not in the filed totals (derived) | 1,853.39 | 16.3% | Derived: raised exceeds spent plus cash on hand in this filing; the difference is not itemized in the totals filed. |
Totals as filed
OhioSOS, as of July 31, 2026: raised $9,190, spent $8,432, cash on hand $-1,095.
Ohio campaigns were due to file pre-general reports on October 22, covering activity through October 14, 2026. They are not in these figures, which come from the latest report in our records, dated July 31, 2026.
Sources: Campaign Finance Data · Campaign Finance: Cover Page search · Campaign Finance
Top donors, as filed
None found in the records checked
Outside spending
None found in the records checked
In-state share
Not yet researched
Checked: Ohio Secretary of State candidate cover-page export, 2026 reports
Philip L. Pirdy
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| From | To | Dollars | Share of total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised | Cash on hand | 150 | 100.0% |
Totals as filed
OhioSOS, as of June 17, 2026: raised $150, spent $0, cash on hand $150.
Ohio campaigns were due to file pre-general reports on October 22, covering activity through October 14, 2026. They are not in these figures, which come from the latest report in our records, dated June 17, 2026.
Sources: Campaign Finance Data · Campaign Finance: Cover Page search · Campaign Finance
Top donors, as filed
None found in the records checked
Outside spending
None found in the records checked
In-state share
Not yet researched
Checked: Ohio Secretary of State candidate cover-page export, 2026 reports
C. Michelle Teska
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| From | To | Dollars | Share of total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised | Spent | 1,738.07 | 3.8% | |
| Other funds (derived) | Spent | 8,283.09 | 18.0% | |
| Raised | Cash on hand | 6,261.93 | 13.6% | |
| Other funds (derived) | Cash on hand | 29,842.27 | 64.7% |
Totals as filed
OhioSOS, as of July 28, 2026: raised $8,000, spent $10,021, cash on hand $36,104.
Ohio campaigns were due to file pre-general reports on October 22, covering activity through October 14, 2026. They are not in these figures, which come from the latest report in our records, dated July 28, 2026.
Sources: Campaign Finance Data · Campaign Finance: Cover Page search · Campaign Finance
Top donors, as filed
None found in the records checked
Outside spending
None found in the records checked
In-state share
Not yet researched
Checked: Ohio Secretary of State candidate cover-page export, 2026 reports
The result
Not yet researched
Sources
Data from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0: Ohio House of Representatives
- Ohio elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-19 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- 46 Day Notice, November 3, 2026 General Election (revised 9/28/2026) · Warren County Board of Elections · 2026-09-28 · accessed 2026-09-30
- Ohio House of Representatives District 55 · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Representative Michelle Teska - District 55 · The Ohio House of Representatives · accessed 2026-09-21
- Paul Kurtz · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Paul Michael Kurtz for Ohio House · Friends of Paul Michael Kurtz · accessed 2026-09-21
- PMK's Issues & Solutions · Friends of Paul Michael Kurtz · accessed 2026-09-21
- Campaign finance search · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-21
- Campaign Finance Data · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-19
- Campaign Finance: Cover Page search · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-19
- Campaign Finance · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-19
- https://www.journal-news.com/local/elections/area-voters-to-decide-15-ohio-house-and-senate-seats-this-november/article_2f71d3ae-b8a7-5cfb-8787-8a5d9ffd5bd5.html
- https://oft-aft.org/2026election
- https://gunsensevoter.org/states/oh/voterguide/
- https://gunsensevoter.org/faq/
- https://ohea.org/oea-candidate-recommendations/
- https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-ohio/elections
- Philip Pirdy · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Michelle Teska · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Representative Michelle Teska - Legislation · The Ohio House of Representatives · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 96: votes · Ohio General Assembly
- Senate Joint Resolution 10: votes · Ohio General Assembly
- 2024 Official Election Results · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-21
- Member Directory · The Ohio House of Representatives · accessed 2026-09-08
- Ohio House of Representatives · Wikipedia · accessed 2026-09-08
- https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/2026-bfa-pac-grades-and-endorsements-ohio-general-election
- https://ohiolife.org/ohio-right-to-life-pac-announces-2026-general-election-candidate-recommendations/
- https://ohiogop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/warren-county-slate-card.pdf
- https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/ohio/
- 2025 financial disclosure statement, Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee · Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee
- House Bill 96 · Ohio General Assembly · accessed 2026-09-21
- Senate Joint Resolution 10 · Ohio General Assembly · accessed 2026-09-21
Quick answers
When is the 2026 Ohio State Representative, District 55 election?
The election for Ohio State Representative, District 55 is on November 3, 2026.
Who is running for Ohio State Representative, District 55 in 2026?
On the ballot for Ohio State Representative, District 55, in surname order: Paul Kurtz (Democratic), Philip L. Pirdy (Libertarian), C. Michelle Teska (Republican).
Who holds the Ohio State Representative, District 55 seat now?
The seat is held by C. Michelle Teska.
Cite and data
Cite this page as:
Cracked Buckeye, "Ohio State Representative, District 55, 2026", https://crackedbuckeye.com/election/2026/ohio-house-55/, built 2026-11-03, accessed [date].
How to cite · Report a correction · Built 2026-11-03