A Democratic state rep candidate withdrew from the race

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Michael E. O’Hara of Youngstown has withdrawn as a Democratic candidate in the 58th Ohio House District.

That leaves state Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, also of Youngstown, as the only Democrat running for that spot on the March 15 ballot.

The Mahoning County Democratic Party overwhelmingly endorsed Lepore-Hagan earlier this month for re-election to her second two-year term.

O’Hara formally withdrew Friday.

He finished third out of four Democrats two years ago for this seat when there wasn’t an incumbent running. Democrat Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, Lepore-Hagan’s husband, couldn’t seek re-election in 2014 because of the state’s term-limits law.

After winning the 2014 Democratic primary, Lepore-Hagan faced no opposition in the general election.

That won’t be the case this year.

Corrine L. Sanderson of Youngstown filed to seek the seat as a Republican. Sanderson filed in December, a month after she was elected to a seat on the Youngstown school board. She started serving on the board Jan. 1.