Valley Legislators Have Over $100,000 in Campaign Funds
Three state legislators representing the Mahoning Valley have campaign funds exceeding $100,000 each, including one legislator who is unable to seek re-election.
State Senator Michael Rulli, a Republican from Salem, has $123,176 in his campaign fund as of June 30, according to his latest financial report. Rulli, who represents the 33rd Senate District comprising Mahoning and Columbiana counties, was re-elected for a second four-year term in the state Senate last year. Although he cannot run for another term due to state law, Rulli may seek a different elected office in 2026. During the first half of the year, Rulli received $14,500 in contributions, primarily from political action committees (PACs), and spent only $177 from his campaign fund.
Joining Rulli, two other incumbents have more than $100,000 in their campaign accounts. State Representative Nick Santucci, a Republican from Howland, has $103,343, while State Representative Al Cutrona, a Republican from Canfield, has $135,704 in their respective campaign funds.
While most Valley legislators relied on PACs for fundraising during the first half of the year, Santucci received most of his money from individual donors. Santucci received $5,000 contributions from 13 donors, including prominent business officials such as Sam Covelli, Anthony Cafaro Sr., Bruce Zoldan, John Payiavlas, John Apostolakis, and Charles T. George. The majority of Santucci’s money came from his representation of the 64th House District in Trumbull County. In the same period, Santucci raised $106,685 and spent $8,464, leaving him with $103,343 in his campaign fund as of June 30.
Cutrona, who represents the 58th District in Mahoning County, raised $51,430 in contributions from PACs during the first half of the year. He spent $28,945, with his largest expenses being a campaign trailer, the Mahoning County Republican Party, and accounting fees. Cutrona started the year with a $113,219 surplus and increased it to $135,704 in his campaign fund as of June 30. Cutrona was re-elected last year for a second two-year term in the House.
State Senator Sandra O’Brien, a Republican from Lenox, who represents the district including Trumbull County, reported $81,751 in her campaign fund as of June 30. O’Brien is up for re-election next year and raised $34,800 in contributions during the first half of the year, primarily from PACs. Notable contributions include those from Sam Covelli and Patrick Preston. O’Brien spent $4,743 during the same period.
State Representative Lauren McNally, a Democrat from Youngstown, raised $45,790 during the first half of the year, with the majority coming from PACs. Notable contributions include $10,000 each from the Operating Engineers Local 66 District 2 and the Western Reserve Building and Construction Trade Council. McNally spent $16,467, including expenses for campaign management and dues to the Ohio Democratic Party, leaving her with $49,362 in her campaign fund as of June 30. McNally is currently serving her first two-year term representing the 59th House District.
In contrast, State Representative Mike Loychik, a Republican from Bazetta, spent more than he raised during the first half of the year. Loychik raised $8,100, mostly from PACs, and spent $21,368. His largest expenses were for marketing and a fundraising event hotel. Loychik began the year with $28,274 and had $15,006 left in his campaign fund as of June 30. Loychik is currently serving his second two-year term representing the 65th House District.
State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, a Republican from Columbiana, raised $67,094 and spent $29,994 in the first half of the year. Notably, $25,000 was contributed to the Ohio House Republican Alliance. Robb Blasdel, representing the 79th House District, had $62,554 in her campaign fund as of June 30, which includes carryover funds. Her district encompasses most of Columbiana County and all of Carroll County.
Contact: [email protected]
