88th District Forum at Woodmore: A Record of Results vs. Rhetoric

The October 14, 2026, forum at Woodmore Schools presented a stark contrast between incumbent State Representative Gary Click (R) and challenger Aaron Jones (D). Voters witnessed a clear divide: one candidate with a proven track record of legislative success, and another whose primary experience is defined by failed local ordinances and populist rhetoric.

A Record of Results vs. A Legacy of Failure

Gary Click, a former pastor with six years of legislative experience, arrived with a resume of tangible accomplishments. He highlighted his role in passing 16 pieces of legislation, including the SAM Act (Student Athletic Mobility Act), “Brian’s Law,” and “Keith’s Law.” Notably, Click emphasized that each of these three laws originated directly from listening to constituents within the district, including a high school athlete who reached out to him regarding the unfairness of athletic restrictions. Click’s effectiveness is verified by his ranking as the number nine most effective legislator out of 67 Republicans in the House.

In contrast, Aaron Jones, a Tiffin City Council member, struggled to present a comparable record. When pressed on his legislative achievements, Jones could only point to a municipal leash law—a far cry from the state-level impact required of a Representative. Even worse, Click exposed the reality of Jones’s “legacy legislation,” Ordinance 2661. Click noted that this proposal was shut down by the Tiffin City Council because it threatened to bankrupt the sewer fund and expose the city to massive liability—a stark example of the difference between sound policy and reckless governance.

Fiscal Stewardship: From 86 Cents to $4 Billion

The debate over fiscal policy highlighted the difference between Republican responsibility and Democratic mismanagement. Click reminded the audience of the state’s fiscal trajectory: when Republicans took over, the state’s rainy day fund was effectively empty, holding a mere 86 cents. Today, thanks to disciplined Republican leadership, that fund sits at a robust $4 billion, providing the stability necessary to weather economic storms.

While Click pointed to the massive increase in biennial education funding—from $19 billion to $28 billion—as proof of his commitment to Ohio’s future, Jones offered little more than populist complaints. Jones’s vague calls for “full funding” lacked any credible plan, relying on rhetoric rather than the fiscal discipline that has defined Click’s tenure.

Pragmatism vs. Ideology

Click’s approach to governance is defined by collaboration. He noted that 85% of his bills are bipartisan, and he frequently works across the aisle to deliver for his constituents, even helping a vocal critic secure Medicaid benefits for their family. Jones, conversely, seemed more interested in ideological posturing, offering few practical solutions beyond his rigid interpretation of church-state separation.

The verdict is clear: Gary Click is a serious legislator who understands the complexities of state government. Aaron Jones appears to be a candidate whose primary experience is limited to failed local ordinances and empty rhetoric. As Ohio continues to be ranked as a top state for business, the choice for the 88th District is between continuing that momentum with a proven leader or risking it on an unproven challenger.