Democrat Laura Schaeffer, a Beloit village councilwoman, is going to challenge incumbent Republican Al Cutrona for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Schaeffer, who has spent four years on Beloit council, has worked as the Integrated Library Systems administrator for the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County for the past five years.

“I’m already representing my community on village council, and I want to take that to a higher level representing the district,” Schaeffer said. “I was raised here and I’m raising my family here. I’d do a good job representing the people and their concerns in Columbus.”

Cutrona of Canfield, chief operating officer for the Northeastern Ohio Infectious Disease Association, was appointed in May 2020 to fill the unexpired term of Don Manning, who died two months prior. Cutrona was elected in November 2020 and reelected two years later.

Because of redistricting, the district’s number will be 59 from its current 58th designation. When Cutrona was appointed the district’s number was 59.

Cutrona won reelection in 2022 by 13.44% in a toss-up district.

Through redistricting, Cutrona’s new district favors Republicans by more than 12%, according to partisan voting trends during the past decade.

The district includes Boardman, Canfield, Struthers, Campbell, Berlin, Coitsville, Beloit, Ellsworth, Sebring, New Middletown, North Lima, Smith, Goshen, Green, Beaver, Springfield and Washingtonville in Mahoning County and Knox and Butler townships in Columbiana County.

Cutrona has also been a strong raiser of campaign funds and had $135,704 in his campaign account as of June 30, the most recent reporting date.

Schaeffer said: “It’s a real shame that money has such an influence on politics and gerrymandering has impacted the districts.”

Cutrona, who filed Friday for reelection, said: “The voters were able to see what I’ve done. I’ve brought unprecedented money back to the district and in the last General Assembly I passed more bills than any other legislator. I’ve had a great relationship with my constituents.”

Republicans have a supermajority in the state House and Senate.

Asked how she could effectively legislate from the minority, Schaeffer said, “It’s not going to be easy, but I would be out there doing my best to represent the people. I can’t wave a magic wand and make things happen. I can make sure the people of this area are represented and fight for what they need. I care about this area and the representatives should represent the people.”

Wednesday is the filing deadline for candidates wanting to run in the March 19, 2024, primary.

Mahoning County Democratic Chairman Chris Anderson said of Schaeffer: “She’s going to be a great candidate. The party is going to support her in every way possible. The party is so excited about this race.”