Ohio State Representative, District 82
November 3, 2026 · general election · District 82 · 3 candidates with a page
The seat is held. Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R) has held the seat since January 1, 2023 and is running for re-election, so the seat is held.
Sources: Ohio House of Representatives District 82 · Roy Klopfenstein
About this district
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Chamber | District | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio House | Ohio House, Ohio's 82nd District | Ohio State Representative, District 82 |
Counties: Defiance · Paulding · Putnam · Van Wert
Last time, 2024: Roy Klopfenstein (Republican) 79.4% · 45,616 votes; Magdalene Markward (Democratic) 20.6% · 11,825 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.
- Mental health professional
- Works in residential services for boys with behavioral challenges, using the Teaching Family Model (per campaign)
- High school diploma, Paulding High School
6 of 11 sections researched · 7 sources
- Farmer
- Former state committee member, USDA Farm Service Agency
- Former chairman, Paulding County Extension Advisory Committee and The Ohio State University State Extension Advisory Committee
9 of 11 sections researched · 38 sources
- Substitute teacher and historical tour guide (per campaign)
- Born and raised in Van Wert County, Ohio (per campaign)
6 of 11 sections researched · 10 sources
Christopher Elder
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | researched |
| claims | not researched |
| record | not researched |
| money | researched |
| interests | not researched |
| polling | not researched |
| elections | researched |
| endorsements | none found |
| sources | researched |
Roy Klopfenstein
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 |
Maddux McCray
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | researched |
| claims | not researched |
| record | not researched |
| money | none found |
| interests | not 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: Roy Klopfenstein has 4 entries, Maddux McCray has 2 entries and Christopher Elder 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: Christopher Elder has 4 entries, Roy Klopfenstein has 4 entries and Maddux McCray has 1 entry. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Roy Klopfenstein's record in office has 14 entries, Christopher Elder's has 0 and Maddux McCray's has 0. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Sources: Roy Klopfenstein has 21 entries, Christopher Elder has 6 entries and Maddux McCray 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
- Christopher Elder: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
- Roy Klopfenstein: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
- Maddux McCray: 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
Christopher Elder
None found in the records checked
Roy Klopfenstein
We will keep working to find a solution that both protects Ohio ratepayers and demonstrates that Ohio is open for business,” said Klopfenstein.
Maddux McCray
I also support consumer and fraud protections and believe data center development should be paused until communities have full transparency and understand the environmental, water, energy, and infrastructure impacts.
Source: Maddux McCray (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
Elections and voting
Christopher Elder
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) and Recalls: Your voice and your vote matter. If you have ever used the phrase, "I voted for the lesser of two evils," this issue is for you. RCV gives voters the option to rank their vote and be more satisfied if their first choice is not the winner.
Source: Christopher Elder (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
Roy Klopfenstein
None found in the records checked
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
Gas tax holiday
Christopher Elder
None found in the records checked
Roy Klopfenstein
Every dollar saved on fuel is a dollar that can go back into our farms, our families and our rural communities
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
Housing
Christopher Elder
None found in the records checked
Roy Klopfenstein
Workforce housing is critical for the continued growth of our communities. This investment in our community will help create more housing opportunities for families and workers in Paulding County while supporting the area’s economic development. I appreciate the support from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development in helping make this project possible,” said Rep. Klopfenstein.
Source: Rep. Klopfenstein Applauds Workforce Housing Grant Designated for Village of Antwerp
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
Local government
Christopher Elder
Strong Local Government: You and I as neighbors is the best way to live life. Shifting more decisions back to local governments and communities is essential for bringing us together and eliminating waste, fraud, and overreach at the State level.
Source: Christopher Elder (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
Roy Klopfenstein
None found in the records checked
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
Property taxes
Christopher Elder
Affordability: Life is hard. We pay way too many taxes and are controlled by far too many bureaucracies. Eliminating the property tax will end the subscription service homeowners pay to continue living in their homes.
Source: Christopher Elder (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)
Roy Klopfenstein
None found in the records checked
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
Public safety
Christopher Elder
None found in the records checked
Roy Klopfenstein
It is our responsibility to protect Ohio’s most innocent, and as technology continues to advance, we must also adapt to ensure the continued safety of Ohio’s children,” said Klopfenstein.
Source: State Reps. Williams, Klopfenstein Introduce Legislation Combating AI Child Sexual Abuse Material
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
Why they are running
Christopher Elder
We are here to offer a new option for people who feel like they don’t belong in either of the two major parties
Roy Klopfenstein
None found in the records checked
Maddux McCray
None found in the records checked
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.
Christopher Elder
Not yet researched
Roy Klopfenstein
Not yet researched
Maddux McCray
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2023 | office | Ohio State Representative, District 82 |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2024-04-23 | bill | 2024-04-23 (bill): Primary sponsor, jointly with Rep. Angela King, of House Bill 34 (135th General Assembly), "Excuse breast-feeding mothers from jury service," |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-01-08 | bill | 2025-01-08 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, of House Bill 238 (135th General Assembly), "Regards occupational regulations," signed |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-01-08 | bill | 2025-01-08 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Dave Dobos, of House Bill 364 (135th General Assembly), "Regards non-commercial seed sharing; noxious weed " |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-01-08 | bill | 2025-01-08 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Brian Stewart, of House Bill 497 (135th General Assembly), Make various changes regarding county law, signe |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-04-09 | vote | 2025-04-09 (vote): Voted yes on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House-passed version) (House Bill 96); the House vote was 60-39 and |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-05-15 | bill | 2025-05-15 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 15 (136th General Assembly), "Amend competitive retail electric service law," signed into law May 15, 2025. |
| Klopfenstein (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 |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-06-25 | vote | 2025-06-25 (vote): Voted yes on the conference committee report on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote wa |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-07-01 | bill | 2025-07-01 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Angela N. King, of House Bill 51 (136th General Assembly), "Designate Lt. James A. Kirkendall Memorial High" |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-07-01 | bill | 2025-07-01 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Bob Peterson, of House Bill 65 (136th General Assembly), "Enact the Agriculture Appreciation Act," signed i |
| Klopfenstein (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 |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2025-12-19 | bill | 2025-12-19 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Jack K. Daniels, of House Bill 10 (136th General Assembly), "Regulate imitation meat and egg products," sig |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2026-06-10 | vote | 2026-06-10 (vote): Voted yes on adopting the joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require identification to vote, placing it on the Novembe |
| Klopfenstein (R) | 2026-07-07 | bill | 2026-07-07 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, of House Bill 433 (136th General Assembly), "Alter amusement ride classification for i" |
Christopher Elder
Not yet researched
Roy Klopfenstein
-
July 7, 2026 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, of House Bill 433 (136th General Assembly), "Alter amusement ride classification for inspection fee purposes," signed into law July 7, 2026.
Sources: House Bill 433 | 136th General Assembly · House Bill 433 Status, 136th General Assembly
-
June 10, 2026 · vote
Voted yes 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
-
December 19, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Jack K. Daniels, of House Bill 10 (136th General Assembly), "Regulate imitation meat and egg products," signed into law December 19, 2025.
Sources: House Bill 10 | 136th General Assembly · House Bill 10 Status, 136th General Assembly
-
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
-
July 1, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Bob Peterson, of House Bill 65 (136th General Assembly), "Enact the Agriculture Appreciation Act," signed into law July 1, 2025.
Sources: House Bill 65 | 136th General Assembly · House Bill 65 Status, 136th General Assembly
-
July 1, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Angela N. King, of House Bill 51 (136th General Assembly), "Designate Lt. James A. Kirkendall Memorial Highway," signed into law July 1, 2025.
Sources: House Bill 51 | 136th General Assembly · House Bill 51 Status, 136th General Assembly
-
June 25, 2025 · vote
Voted yes 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
-
May 15, 2025 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 15 (136th General Assembly), "Amend competitive retail electric service law," signed into law May 15, 2025.
-
April 9, 2025 · vote
Voted yes 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
-
January 8, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, of House Bill 238 (135th General Assembly), "Regards occupational regulations," signed into law January 8, 2025.
Sources: House Bill 238 | 135th General Assembly · House Bill 238 Status, 135th General Assembly
-
January 8, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Dave Dobos, of House Bill 364 (135th General Assembly), "Regards non-commercial seed sharing; noxious weed removal," signed into law January 8, 2025.
Sources: House Bill 364 | 135th General Assembly · House Bill 364 Status, 135th General Assembly
-
January 8, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Brian Stewart, of House Bill 497 (135th General Assembly), Make various changes regarding county law, signed into law January 8, 2025 (effective April 9, 2025).
-
April 23, 2024 · bill
Primary sponsor, jointly with Rep. Angela King, of House Bill 34 (135th General Assembly), "Excuse breast-feeding mothers from jury service," signed into law April 23, 2024.
Maddux McCray
Not yet researched
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 |
Christopher Elder
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| From | To | Dollars | Share of total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised | Spent | 343.9 | 52.9% | |
| Raised | Cash on hand | 305.8 | 47.1% |
Totals as filed
OhioSOS, as of July 28, 2026: raised $650, spent $344, cash on hand $306.
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
Roy Klopfenstein
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| From | To | Dollars | Share of total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised | Spent | 17,325.45 | 23.8% | |
| Other funds (derived) | Spent | 41,820.87 | 57.4% | |
| Raised | Cash on hand | 4,024.55 | 5.5% | |
| Other funds (derived) | Cash on hand | 9,714.61 | 13.3% |
Totals as filed
OhioSOS, as of June 6, 2026: raised $21,350, spent $59,146, cash on hand $13,739.
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 6, 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
Maddux McCray
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Status |
|---|
| None found in the records checked |
Totals as filed
None found in the records checked
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, every name variant listed in _staging/d2/money-legislative.json
The result
Not yet researched
Sources
- Ohio elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-19 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-30 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Ohio House of Representatives District 82 · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Roy Klopfenstein · The Ohio House of Representatives · accessed 2026-09-21
- Christopher Elder · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- 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
- Libertarian Political Club being formed · The VW Independent · 2026-06-23 · accessed 2026-10-02
- Roy Klopfenstein · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Rep. Klopfenstein Applauds Workforce Housing Grant Designated for Village of Antwerp · The Ohio House of Representatives · 2026-03-12 · accessed 2026-09-21
- Rep. Klopfenstein Joins Roundtable with Undersecretary of Energy to Discuss Data Centers, Ratepayer Protection Pledge · The Ohio House of Representatives · 2026-05-07 · accessed 2026-09-21
- State Reps. Williams, Klopfenstein Introduce Legislation Combating AI Child Sexual Abuse Material · The Ohio House of Representatives · 2026-04-08 · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 10 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 15 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 51 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 65 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 433 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- House Bill 238 | 135th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- House Bill 364 | 135th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- House Bill 34 | 135th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- 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
- Roy Klopfenstein Biography · The Ohio House of Representatives · accessed 2026-09-25
- 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/defiance-county-slate-card.pdf
- https://ohiogop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/van-wert-county-slate-card.pdf
- https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/ohio/
- 2025 financial disclosure statement, Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee · Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee
- State Representatives Bob Peterson and Roy Klopfenstein Applaud Proposal to Suspend Gas Tax, Highlight Timely Relief for Ohio Farmers · The Ohio House of Representatives · 2026-09-24 · accessed 2026-09-30
- House Bill 433 Status, 136th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-25
- House Bill 10 Status, 136th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-25
- House Bill 51 Status, 136th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-25
- House Bill 65 Status, 136th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-25
- House Bill 238 Status, 135th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-25
- House Bill 364 Status, 135th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-25
- House Bill 96 · Ohio General Assembly · accessed 2026-09-21
- Senate Joint Resolution 10 · Ohio General Assembly · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 497, 135th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- Maddux McCray · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- https://madduxmccray.com/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260919112459/https://madduxmccray.com/
- https://oft-aft.org/2026election
- https://uawpower.org/states/ohio
Quick answers
When is the 2026 Ohio State Representative, District 82 election?
The election for Ohio State Representative, District 82 is on November 3, 2026.
Who is running for Ohio State Representative, District 82 in 2026?
On the ballot for Ohio State Representative, District 82, in surname order: Christopher Elder (Libertarian), Roy Klopfenstein (Republican), Maddux McCray (Democratic).
Who holds the Ohio State Representative, District 82 seat now?
The seat is held by Roy Klopfenstein.
Cite and data
Cite this page as:
Cracked Buckeye, "Ohio State Representative, District 82, 2026", https://crackedbuckeye.com/election/2026/ohio-house-82/, built 2026-11-03, accessed [date].
How to cite · Report a correction · Built 2026-11-03