Mike Gibbons | The Ohio Star

Ohio House Republicans Hit Breaks on Appointment of Norfolk Southern Engineer to Open House Seat

March 4, 2023March 3, 2023 Hannah Poling

On Wednesday, the ongoing conflict among Ohio House Republicans emerged once more when they hastily decided not to schedule a vote on filling a House seat vacancy with a Norfolk Southern train engineer.

A screening committee of the House GOP selected Justin Pizzulli, of Franklin Furnace in Scioto County to represent Ohio House District 90 above seven other candidates. If chosen, Pizzulli would replace former state Representative Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester), who resigned after being designated director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture by Governor Mike DeWine.

Cuyahoga County Republican Party Appoints Emily Moreno Miller and Mike Gibbons as Committee Leadership

January 18, 2023January 17, 2023 Hannah Poling

Following the notice of resignation of Executive Committee Chairman Henry F Curtis, the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County announced two changes in committee leadership.

On January 5th, Curtis submitted his resignation to the party citing the need for fresh leadership.

Ahead of Forum Series, Renacci Sees Opportunities for Conservative Ascendancy in Ohio

September 5, 2022September 4, 2022 Bradley Vasoli

Former Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Renacci has a hopeful outlook for conservatism in the Buckeye-State, though he expects progress to require serious toil and soul-searching as well as new leadership.

Renacci, who represented the 16th U.S. House District southwest of Cleveland and now chairs American Greatness PAC, spoke with The Ohio Star recently about the forum series his organization is commencing on September 15 in the Akron area and about other upcoming milestones for Ohio’s center-right movement.

Vance Campaign Confident, Others Say Race Is ‘Wide Open’ Before Primary Election

May 3, 2022May 2, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

With the deadline to vote in Ohio’s primary races approaching Tuesday night, the top candidates in the hotly-contested Republican U.S. Senate battle have varying views on what the outcome of the race will be.

“We’re spending the day before the election with voters at town halls all across Ohio, leaving no stone unturned. JD is in a strong position, and we are confident JD will be the Republican nominee,” said Taylor Van Kirk, a spokesperson for candidate J.D. Vance.

The 12 Pivotal Primary Races of 2022

May 2, 2022May 1, 2022 Ohio Star Staff

As the midterm elections approach, a number of important party primary races have yet to determine a nominee.

Many of the races still don’t have a clear frontrunner, despite fast-approaching election dates and millions of dollars spent, increasing the importance of every decision made until voting begins.

Exclusive: U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Gibbons Launches ‘Women for Gibbons’ Coalition

April 21, 2022April 20, 2022 Cooper Moran

U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons, who is running in a crowded GOP primary field, launched a new “Women for Gibbons” coalition.

According to information provided exclusively to The Ohio Star, the group is led by Caitlin Shea, the candidate’s daughter, and co-chaired by Lisa and Lucy Stickan.

Always Right with Bob Frantz: Mike Gibbons Clears Up Viral Video’s Statement About Middle-Class Taxation Comments

April 11, 2022April 11, 2022 Julie Carr

Monday morning on Always Right with Bob Frantz, weekday mornings on AM 1420 The Answer, host Frantz welcomed GOP Ohio Senate hopeful Mike Gibbons to the show to clear up what he meant in video audio that has resurfaced from a September podcast that has gone viral.

We the People Convention Backs Mike Gibbons in U.S. Senate Race

April 9, 2022April 8, 2022 Cooper Moran

We the People Convention, an Ohio-based nonprofit that advocates for a limited constitutional governance, backed U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons in the state’s Republican Party primary.

The organization, which also supported his unsuccessful 2018 campaign, selected the Ohio businessman from the crowded GOP field, vying to replace retiring Senator Rob Portman.

Always Right with Bob Frantz: Josh Mandel Talks New Campaign Ad and Ted Cruz Endorsement

April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 Julie Carr

Tuesday morning on Always Right with Bob Frantz, weekday mornings on AM 1420 The Answer, host Frantz welcomed Ohio senate candidate Josh Mandel to the show to announce how he’s been endorsed by Ted Cruz and taking on the Republican bosses in the US Senate.

Poll: J.D. Vance Moves into Tie with Mandel, Gibbons in U.S. Senate Ohio Republican Primary

April 7, 2022April 6, 2022 Cooper Moran

A new poll, conducted by Tony Fabrizio for a pro-Vance superPAC, showed Ohio U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance has surged into a three-way tie for first place with Josh Mandel and Mike Gibbons.

Fabrizio, who served as a pollster for former President Donald Trump, noted that “as voters learn more about J.D. Vance and what he stands for, his ballot support increases.”

Always Right with Bob Frantz Talks to Mike Gibbons About Confrontational Debate with Josh Mandel

March 23, 2022March 23, 2022 Julie Carr

Always Right with Bob Frantz on WHK Radio in Cleveland talked to U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons to comment upon his altercation in a live debate with challenger Josh Mandel.

Frantz: In this instance, Josh Mandel was standing and speaking. He challenged Mike Gibbons, I played this for you before and then surrendered the floor to him. Mike Gibbons stood. And then Mike Gibbons responded in a way that apparently Josh Mandel didn’t like, because then he also stood.

Always Right with Bob Frantz: Heated Senate Debate Between Josh Mandel and Mike Gibbons

March 23, 2022March 23, 2022 Julie Carr

Always Right with Bob Frantz on WHK Radio in Cleveland talked to U.S. Senate candidate Josh Mandel, a politician who served as the 48th treasurer of Ohio from 2011 to 2019, to comment upon the confrontational Senate debate last Friday night.

The Ohio Star Podcast for March 3, 2022: Biden’s SOTU, The GOP’s Senate Primary & the Court Battle over the Born-Alive Bill

March 4, 2022March 18, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

In the March 3, 2022 episode of The Ohio Star Podcast host Neil W. McCabe, the national political editor of The Star News Network, the constellation of 11 state-focused news sites including The Ohio Star, hosted three guests.

Mike Gibbons Commentary: I Am 100 Percent Pro Life

March 2, 2022March 1, 2022 Admin

I was 12 years old when I found out my mother had been adopted. I was raised in a religious, pro-life household, but I was 12 years old when my pro-life convictions were truly forged in steel.

As I learned the story, my mother was the product of what we now call a crisis pregnancy. And yet through the grace of God, my mother’s biological mother gave her newborn child up for adoption. My grandparents provided my mother with a loving, nurturing home, and it was in her adoptive home where she learned the values of love, charity, hard work, and dedication to family that she passed along to us.

As New Poll Shows Him Leading Pack, Ohio Senate Hopeful Mike Gibbons Tells The Ohio Star: ‘I Am Tea Party at My Roots’

March 2, 2022March 1, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

Cleveland investment banker Mike Gibbons, who shot from virtual unknown to frontrunner when The Hill-Emerson College poll of 410 Republican voters, conducted February 25 and February 26, put the banker in the lead, told The Ohio Star his political program is more Tea Party than Republican Party. “I’ve got Tea…

The Ohio Star Podcast, February 25, 2022: GOP Senate Hopeful Mike Gibbons; Nigel Farage Talks Trump, Ukraine and DeSantis

February 26, 2022March 18, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

In this episode of The Ohio Star Podcast host Neil W. McCabe, the national political editor of The Star News Network, has interviews from his time at the Conservative Political Action Conference held Feb. 23 through Feb. 27 in Orlando, Florida. The first guest is Star reporter Peter D’Abrosca,…

Poll Shows Mike Gibbons Maintaining Lead over Opponents in Ohio U.S. Senate Race

February 12, 2022February 12, 2022 Cooper Moran

A newly-released poll from candidate Mike Gibbons showed the Republican businessman comfortably ahead of his opponents in the Ohio U.S. Senate race.

According to the survey, Gibbons holds roughly 23 percent of the support in the crowded primary. The closest competitors, Josh Mandel and J.D. Vance, hold 10.8 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively.

Gibbons’ Ohio Senate Campaign Airs Rand Paul Endorsement in $2 Million Ad Buy

February 3, 2022February 2, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

The Ohio investment banker endorsed Monday by Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul in his campaign for U.S. Senate just launched a new commercial with Paul in a $2 million ad buy across the state. In the ad, which is part of a $10 million ad push, the senator said…

New Poll: Mike Gibbons Leading Race for Ohio GOP Nomination for U.S. Senate

February 2, 2022February 1, 2022 Cooper Moran

Mike Gibbons, a Republican businessman and candidate for U.S. Senate, is in the lead for the GOP nomination, according to a new poll.

The survey, conducted by polling firm Cygnal, demonstrates that Gibbons, who sits at 16 percent, holds a 3 percent lead over the next closest opponent—former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel.

GOP Senate Hopeful JD Vance Pledges Fight Fire with Fire When We Get Power Back’ in January 6 Video

January 7, 2022January 6, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

The author of Hillbilly Elegy, who is one of the four major Republican candidates running to replace Ohio Republican Sen. Robert J. Portman, spoke out Wednesday on Twitter about the first anniversary of the storming of the Capitol. “Hi, guys. Tomorrow is the anniversary of January the 6th, the…

Stefanik Endorses Timken for Ohio GOP Senate Nom Week Before Timken Hosts Stefanik Fundraiser

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022 Neil W. McCabe

The top-ranking woman in the House GOP leadership announced her endorsement of former Ohio Republican Party chairwoman Jane M. Timken’s campaign for the 2022 Republican Senate nomination today through her E-PAC. “I’m thrilled to endorse Jane Timken because she is a true America First fighter with a proven record…

New Poll Shows Mandel as Republican Frontrunner in Senate Contest, with Vance, Gibbons and Timken Battling for Second

December 18, 2021December 17, 2021 Cooper Moran

A new poll, conducted by the Trafalgar Group, showed that Josh Mandel is leading the crowded field seeking the Republican nomination to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.

However, JD Vance, Mike Gibbons, and Jane Timken are all within striking distance of the frontrunner, as the trio battles for second place.

Senior Consultant to Gibbons’ Ohio Senate Campaign Mike Biondo: ‘We’re in a Very Good Position in This Race’

December 8, 2021December 7, 2021 Neil W. McCabe

In an exclusive interview, the general consultant for Mike Gibbons’ campaign for the Ohio Republican Senate nomination explained to The Ohio Star the investment banker’s path to victory.

“If you take a look at any of the polls that have been released by any of the candidates, the one constant is Mike Gibbons has consistently been moving up,” said Michael G. Biondo, a partner in Ascent Strategic, who has held senior positions in national political campaigns, including serving as national senior advisor to Donald J. Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Ohio GOP Insider: All Four Major Senate Hopefuls Could Get Trump’s Endorsement

December 7, 2021December 6, 2021 Neil W. McCabe

An Ohio Republican insider who held senior positions in Donald J. Trump’s 2016 and since then been a consultant for Republican Senate and gubernatorial races told The Ohio Star each of the top four candidates running for the 2022 GOP Senate nomination has a shot at Trump’s endorsement.

“I think each of these candidates can make an argument to give an endorsement. Every one of them, all the top four,” said the insider and Ohio native.

Joshua A. Mandel

Former state treasurer and Marine Iraq veteran Joshua A. Mandel is leading in all the polls, and he has recovered from his surprise dropping of the 2018 Senate race, which was supposed to be a rematch of with Democratic Sen. Sherrod C. Brown, who beat him 51 percent to Mandel’s 45 percent, he said.

Josh Mandel Campaign Releases Ohio Senate Poll with Him Still Heading GOP Pack

September 29, 2021September 28, 2021 Brian Ball

Former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel’s polling has him remaining at the head of the pack among Republicans vying for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate.

The poll also shows venture capitalist and “Hillbilly Elogy” author J.D. Vance still well behind in second place and Cleveland businessman Mike Gibbons edging out former Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken.

Ohio General Assembly Veteran Joins Crowded GOP Race for U.S. Senator Portman Seat

September 21, 2021September 20, 2021 Brian Ball

A suburban Cleveland state lawmaker has become the latest Republican to join the crowded GOP field seeking the nomination to replace retiring U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio.)
Ohio Senator Matt Dolan, R24-Chagrin Fall, a three-term Ohio House member term-limted from seeking re-election to the state senate, jumped into the race with three high-profile contenders and several others lesser know candidates mounting some level of challenge as the national GOP attempts to wrest control of the upper chamber of Congress in the mid-term elections.

Ohio Senate Candidate Jane Timken Pledges Support of Constitutional Amendment Against ‘Court-Packing’ in Wake of SCOTUS Abortion Ruling

September 9, 2021September 9, 2021 Brian Ball

U.S. Senate contender Jane Timken has formally signed onto efforts in support of a constitutional amendment to keep the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court at nine as the political left again attempt to expand the court’s membership.

Timken’s statement follows the recent U.S. Supreme Court “shadow docket” ruling not to immediately block a Texas law restricting abortion to the first six weeks has revived calls from political progressives to put more justices on the court beyond the nine set by tradition since 1869. The so-called “court packing” tactic first threatened in the 1930s New Deal era gained favor among the political left a few years ago as former President Donald Trump place three conservative/libertarian justices on the court.

Ohio GOP Candidates for U.S. Senate, Cincinnati Congressman Rip Biden After Afghan Blasts Kill Marines, Navy Medic

August 27, 2021August 26, 2021 Brian Ball

The deaths of at least 13 American service men and women and 75 civilians in Kabul on Thursday has again sparked even mor criticism of President Joe Biden’s leadershp from several candidates for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate in Ohio as well as a Cincinnati congressman..

Three candidates – J.D. Vance, Mike Gibbons and Jane Timkemin in statements sent to The Ohio Star – called for Biden’s resignation 10 days after the Taliban rolled into Kabul and Afghani provincial capitals as the U.S. military scrambled to evacuate its personnel as well and U.S. and select Afghani civilians.

Ohio U.S. Senate Hopeful Timken Joins Calls for Biden to Resign, Adds Sacking of Secretaries of State, Defense and Joint Chiefs Chair

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 Brian Ball

U.S. Senate candidate Jane Timken joined several Republicans calling for President Joe Biden to resign in the aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal of American troops and diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan.

U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew, (R-NJ-2) began the call for Biden’s resignation Sunday evening as video streaming from broadcast news outlets showed Afghanis crowding U.S military air transports, desperate to leave with the fall of the Afghani capital of Kabul as well as provincial capitals to the extreme Islamists known as the Taliban.

GOP Senate Candidate Mike Gibbons Calls for Resignation of President Biden After Fall of Afghanistan

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 Brian Ball

The rapid collapse of Afghanistan to the Taliban and miscalculations during the disorderly withdrawal of American Troops has led U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons to call for the resignation of President Biden.

Congressional Republicans from Ohio also joined the widespread condemnation of the Biden administration’s poor handling of the withdrawal of American troops nearly 20 years after President George W. Bush directed the invasion of the west Asian country in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2011 terror attacks by Islamic extremists trained in that west-central Asian country.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Endorses Jane Timken in Ohio Senate GOP Primary

August 4, 2021August 3, 2021 Cooper Moran

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) on Tuesday endorsed former Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken in the crowded GOP primary for U.S. Senate.

“I am proud to endorse Jane Timken for the United States Senate. I saw firsthand Jane’s leadership skills when she served as the first female Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party (ORP) and delivered the State of Ohio for President Trump by substantial margins in 2020,” Noem told Fox News when announcing the endorsement.

Gibbons Commits $9.9 Million Media Buy Through May 3 Primary as 88-County Tour Begins

July 30, 2021July 29, 2021 Brian Ball

Cleveland businessman Mike Gibbons has reserved $9.9 million worth of television, cable and radio advertising through the next nine months in his bid to secure the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.

The nine-month commitment through the May 3 primary includes $2.9 million in media planned buys before year’s end.

GOP Senate Candidates Pummel Biden on Inflation, Infrastructure in Wake of ‘Town Hall’ Talk

July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 Brian Ball

President Joe Biden took to the stage at Mount St. Joseph University at 8 p.m. Wednesday before an intimate audience comprised of hand-selected, loyal Democrats and disgruntled Republicans to run the gamut of issues from the surge of the Delta strain of COVID-19 and the proposed federal infrastructure bill to economic issues such as inflation concerns and one restaurant owners’ inability to find workers.

Biden singled out those in their 20s and 30s as well as skeptics in poor, minority communities to get immunized. “We have a pandemic (among) those who haven’t gotten the vaccine,” He noted his administration has stepped up efforts with ads featuring prominent athletes and entertainers urging reluctant Americans to get jabbed.

Ohio Businessman Gibbons Vows Aggressive Campaign in Second Run for U.S. Senate

July 7, 2021July 25, 2021 Brian Ball

Cleveland businessman Mike Gibbons spent part of his Independence Day weekend walking in a couple of parades with his wife Diane in his hometown of Parma and another nearby community, hoping to shore up support in the Ohio county with the most Republican voters so as not to lose…

Author and Investor J.D. Vance Officially Enters Crowded Ohio GOP Senate Primary

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021 Cooper Moran

J.D. Vance, bestselling author and investor, officially launched his campaign on Thursday for the U.S. Senate, joining an already crowded and growing field.

“You have leaders of this country, in government and in business, who don’t think they owe anything to the country that made them who they are,” Vance said to a crowd of supporters.

Ohio Businessman Mike Gibbons Joins U.S. Senate Race

April 14, 2021April 13, 2021 Corinne Murdock

Cleveland businessman and 2018 U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons has officially entered the 2022 Senate race.

In his announcement, Gibbons stated that he can help others achieve their American Dream, because he did that for himself. He added that he’s never been a career politician. Instead, he described his journey as a self-made businessman who spent over 30 years helping local Ohio companies grow.

EXCLUSIVE: Mike Gibbons Tells The Ohio Star Why He’s the Best Candidate for the U.S. Senate Job

April 14, 2021April 13, 2021 Jack Windsor

Mike Gibbons announced Tuesday that he will run for the Ohio seat in the U.S. Senate up for grabs in 2022. A Cleveland Republican, Gibbons is an investment banker, entrepreneur and real estate investor who made his first bid for U.S Senate in 2018 when he competed in the Republican primary.
The Ohio Star talked with Gibbons Tuesday morning shortly after he announced his candidacy. His full press release can be viewed below.
“I’ve got five kids and five grandkids. I’ve never been more frightened for their future in my life,” Gibbons responded when asked why he’s running. “When I started, I didn’t know I’d do as well as I have. We were able to send our kids through college and grad school without loans – I started with nothing.”

Clevelander Mike Gibbons Announces Statewide Listening Tour in Potential Preparation for Run at U.S. Senate

March 16, 2021March 15, 2021 Jack Windsor

Monday morning Cleveland businessman and 2018 U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons announced a statewide tour during which he will listen to what Ohio voters have to say as he considers a run for office in 2022.

“This listening tour will allow me the opportunity to meet directly with the voters who understand that we can’t afford to send another politician or party insider to Washington. We need to send someone with a business background, who will fight for working-class Ohioans, who’s unafraid to stand up to his own party and who will always tell the truth,” said Gibbons.

Geraldo Rivera Expresses Interest in Ohio U.S. Senate Seat, Reverses Course within 36 Hours

March 16, 2021March 15, 2021 Jack Windsor

Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera tweeted from Siesta Keys, Florida last week, “Pondering running for retiring @senrobportman seat in United States Senate. #GoBuckeyes.”

In Announcement for U.S. Senate Bid Timken Untangles from Kasich, Binds to Trump

February 19, 2021February 18, 2021 Jack Windsor

Jane Timken, former chairwoman of the Ohio Republican Party (ORP), announced Thursday she will seek the 2022 Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat that is currently occupied by Republican Rob Portman who announced last month he will retire from federal politics at the end of his current term.

Josh Mandel Announces Another Ohio Senate Run: ‘Sham Impeachment Has Made My Blood Boil’

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 Jack Windsor

The Ohio Star reported last week on the strong possibility of a Josh Mandel run for the U.S. Senate Seat vacated by Republican Rob Portman.

Wednesday morning Mandel confirmed – he’s in.

Ohio GOP List of Replacements for Sen. Portman Long but Narrowing

February 3, 2021February 2, 2021 Jack Windsor

Rob Portman’s U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs after the establishment Republican announced he would not run for re-election in 2022. Portman cited gridlock and more time with family as primary reasons driving his decision to step away from federal politics – ending his 33 year career since his first political job as a legal aid to President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Following the announcement, the Ohio rumor mill swirled with talk about many prospective Republican replacements.

Jim Jordan (R-OH-4) is a strong Trump advocate and member of the House Freedom Caucus who has represented Ohio in D.C. since 2007. His spokesperson said the congressman was honored by the overwhelming support to run for U.S. Senate but is solely focused on representing Ohio’s Fourth District and would not be running.

General Motors Sells Lordstown Assembly Plant to an Electric Car Company

November 8, 2019November 7, 2019 Beth Lear

Auto maker GM announced Thursday that indeed – as President Trump tweeted in May – the Lordstown facility in Ohio would be sold and reopened to manufacturer the Workhorse electric vehicle called the Endurance. GM declared their intent to idle the plant a year ago, and shut the lights out on March 6th after 52 years of business.

Mike Gibbon’s Ohio Strong Action PAC is Not Connected to Governor Mike DeWine’s Gun Control Plan Called ‘Strong Ohio’

October 8, 2019October 8, 2019 Beth Lear

Governor Mike DeWine announced his promised gun-control package Monday called “Strong Ohio.” The move caused confusion and upset among supporters of Mike Gibbon’s similarly-named political action committee, “Ohio Strong Action.” The two are not connected.

Ohio Strong Action Kicks Off 2020 Campaign in Delaware County

August 18, 2019August 18, 2019 Beth Lear

Ohio Strong Action kicked off their 2020 campaign this weekend in the city of Delaware. The PAC’s Chair, Mike Gibbons, said, “I am excited for our door to door kickoff. Educating Ohioans on the positive accomplishments Trump has enacted is our main objective. We have a President who is keeping his word and has the guts to fight for the American citizens.”

Ohio Liberty Coalition: Nearly 200 Conservative Activists Gathered to Gear Up for 2020

July 14, 2019July 14, 2019 Beth Lear

SAINT LOUISVILLE, Ohio — Nearly 200 conservative activists gathered in the Licking County countryside Saturday for the Ohio Liberty Coalition‘s statewide meeting to celebrate “The Blessings of Liberty.” Vice President Barry Momyer emceed the event and President John McAvoy oversaw the activities along with members and supporters from around…

Ohio Strong Action Has Vision for Trump in 2020 and Beyond

June 26, 2019June 25, 2019 Beth Lear

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Strong Action, a super PAC, is preparing for the 2020 election. The organization, chaired by former U.S. Senate candidate Mike Gibbons, hosted the Ohio Strong Action 202o Vision Summit in Columbus on Tuesday. The purpose of the summit was to discuss “plans and the vision…