Ashtabula County Auditor David Thomas says he will challenge state Rep. Mike Loychik in next March’s Republican primary for the incumbent’s seat.

Thomas of Jefferson, who was reelected in 2022 to his second four-year term as auditor, said he’s running for the 65th Ohio House District seat because, “I have seen too many seniors taxed out of their homes and farmers quitting because they can’t afford their property taxes. The property tax system is broken and I am ready to work for our taxpayers and help fix it.

“I also believe that you deserve more customer service, more policies that deliver relief to our property taxpayers, more protection of individual liberties and more investment in our area from Columbus,” he said.

Thomas would face Loychik of Bazetta, who is serving his second two-year term in the Ohio House.

Loychik couldn’t be reached Wednesday to comment.

Thomas said he spoke to Loychik before making his Wednesday announcement and the incumbent “was very respectful. We have a great relationship.”

Thomas said Loychik asked him a few months ago if he was going to challenge him and the answer was no at the time.

But with more of Ashtabula County added to the new 65th District in the recent redistricting process and growing frustration with state officials largely ignoring reappraisals that will greatly increase property values — and possibly taxes — Thomas said he decided to seek the Ohio House seat.

The new district will add Girard, Hubbard, McDonald and Vienna to large portions of mostly rural Trumbull County and much of Ashtabula County.

The current 65th District favors Republicans by about 24%. That drops to about 14% starting with the 2024 election, which is still considered a safe Republican seat.

Thomas made the Wednesday announcement of his candidacy at the Johnston farm of his maternal grandparents, Dominic and Diana Marchese. Dominic is a Johnston township trustee and Diana spent 24 years as Trumbull County recorder as a Democrat.

dskolnick@tribtoday.com