Fought to run for 8th Cong. seat

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DARKE COUNTY — Democrat Steve Fought, 62, of Toledo, Ohio, announced Thursday his candidacy in the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary.

A former congressional staffer, Fought (pronounced FOTE), turned in the maximum number of 150 signatures to the Butler County Board of Elections.

“The people of the Eighth District deserve an alternative to the extremist elements of the Republican Party,” said Fought.

Pending the almost-certain results of a September 13 special primary for Democrats in the 8th District, Fought will replace Corey Foister as the Democratic candidate on the November 8 ballot. Foister announced last weekend he was dropping out of the race and submitted his withdrawal from the contest July 25.

A native of Mercer County, Fought will face off against Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Troy) who won the June 7 special election to fill the remaining term of former Representative and Speaker of the House John Boehner. Green Party candidate James Condit Jr. is also on the November 8 ballot.

Butler County Democratic Party Communications Director David Spurrier said Fought will move to a location within the district, yet to be determined, in order to satisfy the residency requirements needed to run for the seat.

The 8th District includes the counties of Darke, Miami, Clark, Preble, and Butler, and a portion of Mercer County.

Spurrier also confirmed that Fought is likely to be the only Democratic candidate to run in the election.

“I know of no others who have filed,” he said. “The [Ohio] Secretary of State’s office said yesterday (Thursday) at 4 p.m. was the last time for someone to file.”

Fought retired last year after serving more than a decade as communications director and legislative director for Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo).

Fought is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law as well as Capital University in Columbus (bachelor’s), Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington (leadership in communications), and the University of Toledo (master’s in business administration).

Fought started his professional career as a journalist at the Celina Daily Standard. He began his career in public service in 1983 and served in several agencies of state government during the administration of former Governor Dick Celeste, including director of communications for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

He later served as communications director for former Ohio Secretary of State Sherrod Brown. He also worked as communications director and legislative assistant for international trade when Brown served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Steve Fought of Toledo has filed to become the Democrat nominee to run against Republican Warren Davidson for the 8th Congressional District seat. A special primary will be held September 13 to formally make him the nominee.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Fought-candidate-PRINT.jpgSteve Fought of Toledo has filed to become the Democrat nominee to run against Republican Warren Davidson for the 8th Congressional District seat. A special primary will be held September 13 to formally make him the nominee. Submitted image
Special primary to be Sept. 13

By Erik Martin

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The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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