Rep. Boccieri announces bid for state Senate

Staff report

CANFIELD

State Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th, announced Monday he plans to run for state Senate in 2018.

Boccieri made the announcement from the Mahoning County Veterans Memorial at the Canfield Fairgrounds. He was joined by veterans, local and state Democratic officials, labor leaders, his wife, Stacey, and their five children.

Boccieri is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former U.S. congressman and previously served as state senator for the 33rd district, the seat he now seeks. That office, which represents Mahoning and Columbiana counties, currently is held by state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman. Schiavoni, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, is unable to run for the state Senate seat in 2018 because of term limits.

During his announcement Monday, Boccieri talked about the values instilled in him by his immigrant grandparents; his pride in his strong labor union roots; his military service; family values; and the importance of giving back to the community.

He also touted Northeast Ohio’s accomplishments, calling it a “hub of excellence” that deserves elected representation equal to its talents.

Boccieri was introduced by several local and state Democratic politicians.

“This is a lieutenant colonel in the armed services who put himself into harm’s way to fly ballots into Baghdad so they could have their shot at democracy,” said Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras.

State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown, D-58th, called Boccieri her “greatest mentor,” noting that he often offered her guidance when they sat beside each other in the General Assembly.

State Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko of Richmond Heights, D-25th, offered a passionate endorsement of Boccieri.

As The Vindicator previously reported, Michael Rulli, director of operations for Rulli Bros., is running as a Republican for the 33rd Ohio Senate District seat. Boardman Trustee and Meridian Health Care Chief Executive Officer Larry Moliterno is considering running for the seat as a Democrat.