ELECTION UPDATE | Ryan looks to battle for House leadership

YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, with a comfortable lead in his re-election bid, walked into the Avalon Downtown to cheers and applause from a group of fellow Democrats who are gathered here to watch the election results come in.

According to the most recent results from the Ohio Secretary of State, Ryan is leading his Republican challenger Chris DePizzo, 80,176 votes to 46,874.

Asked about his future plans if re-elected, Ryan said he will be closely watching the results of other House races across the country. If Democrats take back the House, he said he will be part of the conversations regarding House leadership positions.

“Those are the conversations we’re having. I think the industrial Midwest, blue-collar voters need representation in the Democratic Party and in the House leadership,” Ryan said. “if it’s me or somebody like me, it needs to be a major voice. We’ll find out. My goal is not necessarily what position, but that that voice is heard, our values are heard and the party starts remembering places like Youngstown, Ohio.”