Craig announces candidacy for state rep

Meredith (Alexander) Craig of Wooster is running for District 77 of the Ohio House of Representatives, which serves all of Wayne County. Craig will appear on the Republican primary ballot on March 19.

Craig is seeking to serve the county where she was born and raised. Growing up on a chicken farm outside of Creston, Craig was an active participant in 4-H and FFA. She graduated from Smithville High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Malone University.

“Wayne County has made me the person I am today. My family, friends, pastors, teachers, coaches and bosses have made me someone who is ready to serve all of you in this capacity,” Craig said. “With my experience over the last decade building and growing strong relationships in Columbus while also learning the politics of the Statehouse, there is no one better positioned to advance the issues most important to our county.”

Craig is the director of healthcare policy at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, she served as assistant director of government affairs for the Ohio Department of Insurance. Before that, she worked in both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House, serving this same district under the leadership of Ron Amstutz. She is a member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, the Ohio Township Association, the Wayne County FOPA Lodge 53, the Wayne County GOP, Buckeye Firearms Association and the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute.

Craig is a fiscal conservative who supports family values and school choice. As the wife of a law-enforcement officer, Craig will ensure first responders have the resources needed to protect and serve.

Spanning the seven years she worked at Sayre’s Food Center in Smithville to her current role with the Ohio Chamber, she said she understands small government and a low tax environment create a climate for job creation and opportunity. Additionally, Craig advocates for an all of the above energy policy.

“Wayne County leads the way in agriculture and business. We are one of the largest agricultural economies in the state, and we must preserve our farmland. But we are also leading the way in manufacturing and business,” she said. “It is critical to identify ways for sustainable and responsible growth. We can create new opportunities without losing what has made Wayne County great.”

Craig is the daughter of Paul and Julie Alexander of Smithville. She and her husband Ricky live in Wooster with their dog and three cats. Craig is an active member of Hillside Baptist Church in Rittman.

For more information visit www.meredithcraigforohio.com.