When Bill Johnson decided to step down from the U.S. 6th Congressional District seat to become Youngstown State University president, three Republicans saw an opportunity to step up and succeed him.

This year’s primary election has no incumbent in the seat — the first time since 2006. Neither Reggie Stolzfus or Michael Rulli had planned to run for the seat, as both were in the second terms of their respective positions — Rulli as state senator in Ohio’s 33rd District and Stolzfus as state representative of Ohio’s 50th District. Then, following the devastating Feb. 3, 2023, train derailment in East Palestine, Rick Tsai of East Palestine was motivated to help his community and his district.

Tsai, who owns and operates Blackhawk Chiropractic in Darlington, Pennsylvania, is running for political office for the first time. He doesn’t necessarily see that as a disadvantage and believes he can bring a fresh pair of eyes to the seat. We commend him for stepping up in a time of need, with hope of facilitating change.

However, Rulli’s and Stoltzfus’ experiences give them the upper hand in this race and the better opportunity to replace Johnson. They already have an understanding of the concerns and desires of the district.

The 33rd Senate District includes Mahoning County, which is the congressional district’s most-populous county. It also includes Columbiana County, Rulli’s home county and the third most-populous county in the district. It also includes Carroll County.

Stolzfus’ Ohio House district includes a portion of Stark County, the second most-populous county in the congressional district.

Despite their varied experience, all three bring very similar goals to the race. Each said securing the nation’s southern border with Mexico is a priority, and each wants to eliminate cartels contributing to human trafficking and the trafficking of deadly drugs, such as fentanyl.

The three candidates also agree on bringing more jobs to the 6th District while taking advantage of what it offers. Tsai and Stoltzfus want to promote energy independence and, as Tsai put it, tap into the “400 years of natural gas under its (the district’s) feet.”

Rulli is determined to return the area to what it once was in terms of “quality manufacturing and high-living standards.” He says he has championed policies to try and revive it.

All three candidates can represent the district in many ways. Tsai provides a new way of looking at things and a determination to make an impact in the district. Rulli and Stoltzfus both provide an experienced background in dealing with the district and getting things done.

That being said, we believe that Rulli or Stoltzfus would be great choices to represent the Republican Party in the race for the 6th congressional district.

Stoltzfus has been successful in both his political career and with owning a roof truss company since 2005. He also was a Paris Township trustee before his first term in the Ohio House and is a qualified candidate who can network with colleagues, develop relationships and problem-solve.

“I’ve got a lot of real world experience, a lot of street experience that a lot of folks don’t have,” he said.

However, we give a slight edge to Rulli for our endorsement.

Based on his success in the state Senate, along with his time on the Leetonia school board and running his family’s Rulli Brothers Markets for 33 years, we believe Rulli has the pieces in place to pick up where Johnson left off in Congress.

“I have a handful of bills signed by the governor over the last five or six years and the gentlemen I’m running against have none of that,” Rulli told this newspaper’s editorial board. “I think the experience and the ability to get projects done is the main point of focus of my campaign.”

We agree.