Fontana secures Democratic nomination for Ohio House District 51

Amanda Fontana doesn’t have a traditional political resume, and she isn’t interested in pretending she does.

Fontana secured the Democratic nomination for Ohio House District 51 May 5. As she pivots toward the general election, Fontana is emphasizing the same transparency that has defined her career as a social worker, educator and advocate.

“I was a teen mom and a high school dropout,” Fontana said. “I’ve lived in poverty. I am a survivor of abuse. My life has not been perfect, but every step along the way has given me the tools I need to fight for the people of District 51.”

After dropping out of high school, Fontana earned her GED and spent years working to change her life. She later earned a master’s degree in social work and transitioned from a student in need of services to a professional providing them.

Today, she serves as an adjunct professor at Stark State College and is a member of the New Philadelphia City Schools Board of Education.

Her campaign focuses on lowering everyday costs, fully funding public education and providing property tax relief. As a mother of three, including a daughter with developmental disabilities, Fontana said she has spent years navigating barriers many families face.

She has served on numerous boards, including Tuscarawas County Friends of the Homeless/Jack’s House of Hope and the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Human Rights Committee. Her work as an independent provider for individuals with developmental disabilities gives her a firsthand look at the daily struggles of people in her community.

While many candidates present carefully filtered images of their lives, Fontana has been open about the experiences that have shaped her. She said she does not view her history as something to run from but as part of what makes her a relatable advocate, neighbor and candidate.

“I’m not a career politician who reads about what people are dealing with in a briefing,” she said. “I speak from experience, not from a script. I’ve walked this path, I know where the pitfalls are, and I’m ready to clear the way for everyone in District 51.”

As the general election begins, Fontana said she will continue to be open about the challenges she has faced. She said her story is not a secret but her strength.