Local resident planning bid for governorship

by Dan Holland

For most high school graduates, choosing a college, trade school or career path is a significant challenge enough in itself. One recent graduate decided it was time to run for governor of Ohio.

Broadview Heights resident Noah Harshbarger, a 2021 graduate of Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, has decided to run as a gubernatorial candidate in Ohio.

“I’ve already started the paperwork,” said Harshbarger. “I just need to get the signatures. Once I get that done, I will be running in the Democratic primary next year.”

Harshbarger said he became interested in politics in 2016 when he worked as a volunteer for both the Hillary Clinton and John Kasich presidential campaigns.

“I was always kind of hesitant to delve into politics when I was younger,” he said. “I understood … that, as a grownup, you should try to be compassionate toward others and try to help anyone you can. So, I always took that to heart, and I saw this as an avenue.”

Harshbarger said he sees the venture as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the governor’s office.

“I’m obviously not a career politician, and I won’t always give you the answer you want to hear,” he said. “I want to be someone the people can trust and also bring a young voice to politics. I believe that out of all levels of government, the local and state are the most important powers in federalism – that’s where change can really happen. That’s why I wanted to go more for the state level where I can communicate a clear and effective message that’s bold.”

As a freshman at Ashland University, Harshbarger was selected as an Ashbrook Scholar, an honors scholarship program for undergraduate students studying political science, history and political economy. He plans to double major in political science and international political studies and minor in political economy and environmental science.

“It’s a program focused around really understanding politics and the foundation of it,” he said. “It’s a great program – you get people there on all different sides politically; all of them there for a different reason. So far, it’s been a really great experience.”

As far as the future is concerned, Harshbarger, who was a standout in track and field at BBHHS and is now a member of the Ashland University men’s track and field team, seeks a career in some type of government capacity.

“I’m interested obviously in both domestic and foreign affairs,” he explained. “Besides this gubernatorial run, I could see myself working in the state department, CIA, FBI or even as a diplomat. … or perhaps domestically, working in the federal government or being a political analyst. I want to be someplace where I can live a life of action and be able to affect people either with words or being on the ground and passing policy and making negotiations.” ∞