Democrat Foister drops Congressional bid

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DARKE COUNTY — Corey Foister, the Democratic nominee for the 8th District U.S. Congressional seat, has announced he is dropping out of the race.

In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Foister said, “Tomorrow I will go to the Butler County Board of Elections and remove my name from the ballot for U.S Congress in Ohio’s 8th congressional district. It has been a real honor to fight for the rest of us in the 8th and I can never repay everyone for the kindness and support I have received over the past nine months.”

Foister, 26, made history in the March 15 primary as the youngest-known Ohioan to win the nomination of a major political party for a federal office. He had run against Republican Warren Davidson in the June 7 special election to fill the remaining term of former Rep. John Boehner, who resigned last fall.

Davidson won the special election resoundingly, gathering more than 76 percent of the vote in the Republican-dominated district which includes Darke, Miami, Clark, Preble and Butler counties and part of Mercer County. The two were slated to face off again November 8 for a chance at a full term.

Foister did not disclose specifics regarding his future plans, but has set his gaze on political office in another state.

“It is simply not my time,” he said. “This is the wrong election cycle, the wrong place and the wrong race. We need new blood moving forward in Butler County, June 7th is proof of that I am not the right person to turn Butler County blue and I don’t want to overstay my welcome. While I am retiring from Ohio politics, this is not my last political campaign. I will run again when the time and location is right.”

“I have been given an opportunity to have what I believe will be a better platform to fight for progressive causes in another state and I can’t pass up on this opportunity. I will expand on the details of where I am moving and what my new role will be in a few weeks,” he added.

Butler County Democratic Party Chairwoman Jocelyn Bucaro said, “The party believes Corey made the right decision and wish him well in his future endeavors. At this time, we are exploring our options and gauging potential interest in this race so voters might have a real choice in having someone who actually represents Butler County in this race.”

The Davidson campaign issued a statement saying, “Congressman Davidson wishes Corey well in his future endeavors. He remains focused on the work that lies ahead, and will continue to travel the district talking to voters about the issues they care about.”

A representative at the Darke County Board of Elections said it had received a notification from the Butler County Board of Elections, stating that Foister had indeed filed a “notice of withdrawal” Monday morning.

The Ohio Secretary of State has not yet provided county boards of election with the official ballot language to be used for the November 8 election, which would give Democrats the opportunity to insert a replacement candidate. The official ballot language should come August 30.

Foister
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Foister-mug-PRINT.jpgFoister
Democrats to seek new candidate

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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