YOUNGSTOWN – Democrat Michael Kripchak filed nominating petitions for the Ohio Senate 33rd District seat held by Republican Al Cutrona, who is running for reelection.

Kripchak, who filed Friday, said: “I know the value of hard work and the anger people have at politicians in Columbus that only help the wealthy and have no interest in helping those trying to hold on to what’s left of the middle class. We deserve real representation in Columbus that understands the needs of the working men and women of Ohio.”

The 33rd District includes all of Mahoning, Columbiana and Carroll counties.

The district favors Republicans by about 12% based on statewide partisan elections results.

Kripchak ran in 2024 for the 6th Congressional District seat, losing a June special election to Republican Michael Rulli of Salem for the unexpired term and then again in the November general election.

Cutrona, who’s already filed for reelection, was appointed May 28, 2020, to the Ohio House to succeed Republican Don Manning, who died two months prior.

Cutrona was elected to a two-year term in November 2020 and reelected two years later.

When Rulli won the congressional seat, he vacated his spot in the state Senate with Cutrona appointed June 26, 2024, to replace him. Cutrona was elected in November 2024 to the remaining two years left on Rulli’s unexpired term.

The November general election will be for a full four-year term.

“It has been an honor to represent the Valley’s values in Columbus for the past six years,” Cutrona said. “During my time in the state Legislature, I have delivered more state funding to our region than it has seen in decades. Investments that have reduced flooding in our communities, strengthened support for law enforcement and expanded critical healthcare projects.”

Cutrona said: “I have also fought to lower property taxes for our most vulnerable residents and to ensure that our region always has a strong voice at the Statehouse. While I am proud of what we have accomplished, the work is not finished. That is why I am asking for the people’s support as I seek my first full term in the Ohio Senate.”

Kripchak said: “Ohio has been under corrupt one-party control for too long. We deserve public servants that work to improve our lives, not fight culture wars. We deserve someone who will fight to protect our public schools, bring industry back to our district and make Ohio a state that works for everyone.”

Kripchak said he is “running to be that public servant and as your next state senator, I will bring the same drive and determination that served me well at the United States Air Force Academy as in my profession as a math teacher at Chaney High School.”

Wednesday is the filing deadline for those wanting to run in the May 5 political partisan primary while those seeking the positions as independents have until May 4, the day before the primary, to submit nominating petitions.