Damon Lynch IV

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Damon Lynch completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lynch's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-403761-2026-01-31\" id=\"heading-bio-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-403761-2026-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-403761-2026-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a community organizer, nonprofit executive, and small business owner from Cincinnati, Ohio, running for Congress in Ohio’s 1st District. My work has focused on economic development, mental health access, education, and building partnerships between local communities, nonprofits, and government to deliver measurable results.\r\n<p>I have led and supported initiatives that expanded mental health services, improved workforce pathways, and connected public resources to underserved neighborhoods. I have worked closely with faith institutions, labor partners, and community organizations to strengthen local infrastructure and support working families.\r\n</p>\nMy candidacy is rooted in practical problem-solving, accountability, and ensuring that government works for everyday people. I am running to bring lived experience, local knowledge, and a results-driven approach to Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-403761-2026-01-31\" id=\"heading-key-message-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-403761-2026-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-403761-2026-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I am a Cincinnati-based community organizer, nonprofit executive, and small business owner whose work has focused on strengthening local institutions, expanding access to mental health services, and supporting working families through practical, community-driven solutions.</li><li>Results-oriented approach to public service\r\nMy professional background includes building partnerships between government, nonprofits, faith organizations, and local businesses to deliver measurable outcomes in economic development, workforce pathways, and community health.</li><li>Accountability and representation\r\nI am running for Congress to bring lived experience, local knowledge, and a focus on transparency and accountability to federal decision-making, with the goal of ensuring policies reflect the needs of everyday people in Ohio’s 1st District.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-403761-2026-01-31\" id=\"heading1-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-403761-2026-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-403761-2026-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about ethical governance, democratic accountability, and ensuring elected officials are independent and not unduly influenced by foreign governments, special interests, or concentrated money in politics. I believe U.S. foreign and domestic policy should be guided by the interests, values, and security of the American people.<br/><br/>\r\nI am also deeply committed to expanding access to mental health care, strengthening economic opportunity for working families, investing in education, and supporting community-based solutions that improve public health and workforce stability. Across all policy areas, I prioritize transparency, human rights, and public institutions that serve people rather than powerful donors or outside interests.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-403761-2026-01-31\" id=\"heading2-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-403761-2026-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-403761-2026-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-403761-2026-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have not received any formal endorsements at this time. My campaign is focused on building grassroots support and engaging directly with voters and community leaders throughout Ohio’s 1st District.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div><div style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem\"><h4>Campaign website</h4><p>Lynch's campaign website stated the following:</p><div style=\"max-height:400px;overflow-y:auto;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:10px;margin:20px\"><blockquote style=\"margin:0px\"><h3>Campaign Finance Reform</h3><p><strong>Democracy should belong to voters — not corporations. I support banning corporate PAC money, ending dark money influence, strengthening disclosure laws, and advancing public financing systems that empower small donors over billionaires.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Democracy works best when every voice counts. Right now, corporations and billionaires have outsized influence in elections, often drowning out the voices of everyday voters. Dark money, corporate PACs, and hidden contributions allow wealthy interests to shape policy to benefit themselves rather than working families. This undermines trust in government and leaves communities with leaders who respond more to money than to people.\\n\\nI support banning corporate PAC money, ending dark money influence, and strengthening disclosure laws so voters know who is funding campaigns. Additionally, public financing systems can empower small donors and grassroots movements, giving every person the opportunity to have a meaningful say in our democracy. By returning power to voters, we can ensure government reflects the needs and priorities of the people it serves.</p><h3>Civil Liberties</h3><p><strong>Protect the Constitution for everyone. Safeguard voting rights, defend free speech, ensure equal protection under the law, and reject authoritarian efforts that weaken democratic institutions.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>The freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are only meaningful if they apply to everyone. Yet across the country, we’ve seen attempts to restrict voting, suppress speech, and undermine protections for marginalized communities. Civil liberties are the foundation of a just society, and they require constant defense. When any individual or group is denied their rights, democracy itself is weakened, and communities lose trust in their government.\\n\\nI will fight to safeguard voting rights, defend freedom of expression, and ensure equal protection under the law for all. This includes resisting authoritarian efforts, expanding access to the ballot, and making sure every person’s voice can be heard. Strong civil liberties empower people to engage fully in civic life, challenge injustices, and build communities rooted in fairness, accountability, and shared responsibility.</p><h3>Climate &amp; Energy</h3><p><strong>Transition to clean energy, invest in green jobs, protect air and water, and hold polluters accountable while building a sustainable economy.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Climate change is an urgent challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to create good jobs and healthier communities. Pollution, extreme weather, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Ignoring this crisis threatens both the planet and our quality of life.\\n\\nI support transitioning to clean energy, investing in green jobs, and protecting air, water, and natural resources. Polluters must be held accountable, and climate solutions should benefit communities economically and environmentally. By acting boldly, we can protect the planet while creating sustainable jobs and resilient communities for generations to come.</p><h3>Criminal Justice Reform</h3><p><strong>End mass incarceration, reform sentencing laws, expand reentry programs, and increase accountability while maintaining safe communities.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>The criminal justice system must be fair, equitable, and focused on rehabilitation. Mass incarceration, harsh sentencing, and systemic bias disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income families, leaving many without access to opportunity or support. Reform is essential for both justice and public safety.\\n\\nI support ending mass incarceration, reforming sentencing laws, expanding reentry programs, and ensuring accountability while keeping communities safe. Justice should protect society while promoting rehabilitation, opportunity, and dignity. A reformed system strengthens families, communities, and trust in the law.</p><h3>Economic Justice</h3><p><strong>Build an economy that rewards work, not wealth extraction. Tax extreme wealth, raise wages, strengthen unions, and ensure corporate profits don’t come at the expense of working families.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>An economy that works only for the wealthy fails working families. Income and wealth inequality are rising, wages have stagnated for decades, and corporations too often prioritize shareholder profits over employee well-being. This creates barriers to housing, education, healthcare, and upward mobility, and leaves too many communities struggling to make ends meet.\\n\\nI support progressive taxation, raising wages, strengthening unions, and ensuring corporate accountability. Workers must share in the prosperity they help create, and extreme wealth should contribute fairly to the common good. By investing in economic justice, we build communities where opportunity is real, success is shared, and every person has a chance to thrive.</p><h3>Education</h3><p><strong>Invest in public education, reduce class sizes, cancel student debt, and make higher education affordable so opportunity is not limited by zip code or income.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Education is the foundation of opportunity, equality, and community growth. Yet many students face overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced schools, and skyrocketing higher education costs. Student debt limits career choices and financial independence, and disparities in school funding perpetuate inequality by zip code.\\n\\nI support investing in public education, reducing class sizes, expanding access to quality early childhood programs, and making higher education affordable for all. This includes debt cancellation and expanded vocational opportunities. Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed — building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous society.</p><h3>Financial Reform</h3><p><strong>We must hold Wall Street accountable. That means regulating speculative banking practices, breaking up monopolistic financial institutions, and preventing corporate stock buybacks that prioritize shareholders over workers.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Wall Street should serve the economy, not dominate it. Too often, large financial institutions engage in speculative practices that create economic instability while enriching a few at the expense of working families. Stock buybacks, unchecked consolidation, and complex loopholes prioritize corporate profits over real-world economic growth and opportunity. The current system leaves families vulnerable and widens inequality, while the most powerful continue to thrive.\\n\\nI support strong regulations to curb risky banking practices, break up monopolistic financial institutions, and ensure that investment serves communities, workers, and small businesses. By holding Wall Street accountable, we can create an economy that supports stable jobs, fair wages, and long-term prosperity for everyone. Financial reform is not just about oversight — it’s about building a system where opportunity is accessible, and wealth circulates equitably in society.</p><h3>Gun Violence Prevention</h3><p><strong>Implement universal background checks, red flag laws, and invest in community violence prevention strategies to reduce gun-related harm.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Gun violence devastates families and communities across the country. Every day, preventable shootings take lives, traumatize children, and destabilize neighborhoods. Too often, laws fail to protect the public while allowing dangerous weapons to circulate unchecked.\\n\\nI support universal background checks, red flag laws, and investment in community-based violence prevention programs. By reducing gun-related harm and promoting public safety, we protect families and create safer neighborhoods. Common-sense solutions save lives while respecting responsible gun ownership.</p><h3>Healthcare</h3><p><strong>Healthcare is a human right. I support Medicare for All — universal coverage with no premiums, no deductibles, and no medical bankruptcy.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Healthcare is a human right, and no one should face financial ruin to get the care they need. Millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, often delaying or skipping treatment for serious conditions. High premiums, deductibles, and medical debt prevent families from accessing life-saving care, and leave communities vulnerable to preventable illness. Our healthcare system should serve people, not profits.\\n\\nI support Medicare for All — universal, affordable coverage with no premiums, deductibles, or bankruptcy risk. Everyone should have access to primary care, mental health services, and specialty care, regardless of income. By creating a healthcare system that is accessible, equitable, and patient-centered, we ensure that families are healthier, communities are stronger, and no one is left behind.</p><h3>Housing Affordability</h3><p><strong>Invest in affordable housing development, protect tenants from predatory practices, and address corporate speculation that drives up rents.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Rising rents, predatory practices, and corporate speculation push families out of communities and create housing insecurity, affecting health, education, and economic stability. Affordable housing is a cornerstone of equality and opportunity.\\n\\nI support investing in affordable housing development, protecting tenants’ rights, and addressing market practices that drive up costs. Housing policies should ensure access, stability, and dignity for all families. By securing safe, affordable homes, we strengthen communities and build a foundation for long-term prosperity.</p><h3>Immigration Reform</h3><p><strong>Support humane, orderly immigration policies, protect Dreamers, secure borders responsibly, and provide pathways to citizenship for long-term contributors.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Immigration strengthens our communities and economy, yet current policies often leave families vulnerable and living in fear. Dreamers, long-term contributors, and hardworking immigrants deserve recognition, protection, and pathways to citizenship. Humane, orderly systems benefit both immigrants and the communities they serve.\\n\\nI support protecting Dreamers, creating pathways to citizenship, and implementing responsible border policies. Immigration reform should center human dignity, economic opportunity, and family unity. By welcoming and empowering immigrants, we build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can contribute and thrive.</p><h3>Indigenous Solidarity</h3><p><strong>We support Indigenous and Native American communities across the U.S. and the world, fighting for justice, sovereignty, and the protection of their cultures, lands, and rights.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>We stand in solidarity with Indigenous and Native American communities across the United States and around the world. For too long, these communities have endured displacement, systemic injustice, and the erasure of their cultures and languages. Their struggles are not just historical — they are ongoing, from the fight for land sovereignty and treaty enforcement here at home to protecting sacred sites and resources abroad.\\n\\nA just society recognizes and respects the rights, knowledge, and leadership of Indigenous peoples. This means supporting tribal sovereignty, protecting treaty rights, ensuring access to healthcare and education, and listening to Indigenous voices in decisions about land, water, and climate policy. Globally, it means advocating for Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and recognizing the critical role these communities play in preserving our planet for future generations. We believe progress is only meaningful when it includes those whose voices have been silenced for too long.</p><h3>Infrastructure</h3><p><strong>Rebuild roads, bridges, water systems, and expand broadband access. Modern infrastructure creates jobs and strengthens communities across Ohio.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Modern, resilient infrastructure is vital for economic growth, safety, and quality of life. Aging roads, bridges, water systems, and unreliable broadband leave communities exposed to accidents, environmental hazards, and limited opportunity. Communities without proper infrastructure struggle to attract jobs, support schools, and connect residents.\\n\\nI support investments in rebuilding and modernizing infrastructure while expanding broadband access to every neighborhood. These projects create jobs, enhance public safety, and strengthen local economies. Infrastructure should serve the people, improve daily life, and build long-term resilience for Ohio families and communities.</p><h3>LGBTQIA+ Rights</h3><p><strong>Every person deserves equality under the law. Protect marriage equality, ban discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare, and defend transgender Americans from political targeting and harmful legislation.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Every person deserves the right to live openly and safely, without fear of discrimination or harassment. Across housing, employment, healthcare, and public spaces, LGBTQIA+ individuals still face barriers that limit opportunity and well-being. Legal protections exist, but enforcement is inconsistent, and harmful legislation targeting transgender and nonbinary people has been increasing in many states. Equality under the law is not optional — it is essential for a just society.\\n\\nI support protecting marriage equality, banning discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, and defending transgender Americans from political targeting and harmful policies. Beyond legal protections, we must promote inclusion, representation, and community support to ensure LGBTQIA+ people can thrive. By standing firmly for LGBTQIA+ rights, we build a society that values dignity, fairness, and the contributions of every individual.</p><h3>Mental Health</h3><p><strong>Expand affordable mental health services, integrate behavioral healthcare into primary care, and prioritize prevention over crisis-only response.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Mental health is essential to overall well-being, yet services remain inaccessible, unaffordable, or fragmented. Many people go without care until crises occur, worsening outcomes and placing unnecessary burdens on families and communities. Preventative and integrated care is critical for health, productivity, and happiness.\\n\\nI support expanding affordable mental health services, integrating behavioral health into primary care, and emphasizing prevention. Everyone deserves access to treatment, counseling, and support networks that help them thrive. Prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and the communities in which they live.</p><h3>Reproductive Freedom</h3><p><strong>Medical decisions belong to patients and doctors — not politicians. I support protecting abortion access, IVF, contraception, and bodily autonomy nationwide.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Access to reproductive healthcare is fundamental to gender equity, personal freedom, and public health. Individuals must be able to make medical decisions about their own bodies without political interference. Barriers to abortion, contraception, IVF, and other reproductive services create unnecessary harm and disproportionately affect low-income communities and people of color. Reproductive restrictions limit opportunity and autonomy, and threaten the basic right to bodily self-determination.\\n\\nI support protecting reproductive freedom nationwide, ensuring access to abortion care, contraceptives, fertility treatments, and comprehensive healthcare services. Education, prevention, and community support are central to these efforts. By securing reproductive rights, we empower people to make informed choices, plan their families, and participate fully in society — reinforcing equity, health, and opportunity for all.</p><h3>Seniors</h3><p><strong>Protect and expand Social Security and Medicare. No cuts, no privatization. Benefits must reflect modern costs of living and ensure dignity in retirement.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Our seniors deserve security, dignity, and independence. Social Security and Medicare provide essential support to millions of retirees, yet threats of privatization, benefit cuts, and underfunding put this security at risk. Rising healthcare costs, housing expenses, and inflation make it harder for seniors to live with comfort and stability.\\n\\nI will protect and expand Social Security and Medicare to ensure benefits reflect modern living costs and provide reliable support. Seniors should have access to quality healthcare, safe housing, and resources that honor their lifetime of contributions. By strengthening these programs, we ensure older adults can age with dignity and continue to contribute to our communities.</p><h3>Small Business Support</h3><p><strong>Expand access to capital, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and support local entrepreneurs who drive job creation in our communities.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and foster community resilience. Yet entrepreneurs often face barriers such as limited access to capital, excessive regulations, and market pressures that favor large corporations. Supporting small business is essential to vibrant neighborhoods and economic diversity.\\n\\nI support policies that expand access to funding, streamline regulatory processes, and provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs. By empowering small businesses, we nurture local innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Small business success is community success.</p><h3>Veterans</h3><p><strong>Fully fund veterans’ healthcare, mental health services, and housing support. Those who served deserve consistent and accessible care.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Veterans have sacrificed to protect our nation and deserve comprehensive support when they return home. Too many face barriers to healthcare, mental health services, and stable housing. Without consistent, accessible care, our veterans risk preventable hardship, including homelessness, untreated injuries, and limited economic opportunity.\\n\\nI will fully fund veterans’ healthcare, expand mental health services, and ensure housing support programs meet demand. By honoring their service through tangible assistance, we strengthen not only veterans’ lives but the communities they return to. Veterans should be able to thrive, contribute, and receive the respect and care they’ve earned.</p><h3>Worker Co-ops / Community Ownership</h3><p><strong>Support worker-owned businesses and local ownership models that keep wealth circulating in communities rather than flowing to distant shareholders.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Local ownership builds resilient, thriving communities. Too often, corporate profits flow to distant shareholders, leaving workers and neighborhoods without control over their economic future. Supporting worker-owned businesses strengthens economic democracy and ensures that wealth stays in the communities that create it.\\n\\nI support policies that expand worker cooperatives, community ownership models, and local investment initiatives. By keeping decision-making and profits close to the people who generate value, we empower workers, strengthen neighborhoods, and create a more equitable economy. Community ownership is a path to shared prosperity and long-term stability.</p><h3>Workers' Rights</h3><p><strong>Protect the right to organize, strengthen collective bargaining, raise the minimum wage, and ensure workplace safety protections for all workers.</strong></p><p><br/></p><p>Every worker deserves a safe workplace, fair pay, and the ability to have a voice on the job. Yet workers are too often denied these protections, and the power imbalance between employers and employees leaves communities economically vulnerable. Stagnant wages, weak union protections, and unsafe conditions hurt families and limit opportunities.\\n\\nI support protecting the right to organize, strengthening collective bargaining, raising the minimum wage, and enforcing workplace safety regulations. When workers have fair representation, wages reflect labor, and protections are enforced, communities prosper. Strong labor rights are the foundation of a fair and equitable economy.</p></blockquote><div style=\"text-align: right; font-size: 0.9em; color: #555; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><p style=\"font-size:0.9em;color:#555\">— Damon Lynch's <a href=\"https://friendsofdamonlynch.com/issues\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">campaign website</a> (April 21, 2026)</p></div></div></div><div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><i>Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.</i></div></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nDamon Lynch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lynch's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a community organizer, nonprofit executive, and small business owner from Cincinnati, Ohio, running for Congress in Ohio’s 1st District. My work has focused on economic development, mental health access, education, and building partnerships between local communities, nonprofits, and government to deliver measurable results. I have led and supported initiatives that expanded mental health services, improved workforce pathways, and connected public resources to underserved neighborhoods. I have worked closely with faith institutions, labor partners, and community organizations to strengthen local infrastructure and support working families. My candidacy is rooted in practical problem-solving, accountability, and ensuring that government works for everyday people. I am running to bring lived experience, local knowledge, and a results-driven approach to Congress. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I am a Cincinnati-based community organizer, nonprofit executive, and small business owner whose work has focused on strengthening local institutions, expanding access to mental health services, and supporting working families through practical, community-driven solutions. Results-oriented approach to public service\r\nMy professional background includes building partnerships between government, nonprofits, faith organizations, and local businesses to deliver measurable outcomes in economic development, workforce pathways, and community health. Accountability and representation\r\nI am running for Congress to bring lived experience, local knowledge, and a focus on transparency and accountability to federal decision-making, with the goal of ensuring policies reflect the needs of everyday people in Ohio’s 1st District. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about ethical governance, democratic accountability, and ensuring elected officials are independent and not unduly influenced by foreign governments, special interests, or concentrated money in politics. I believe U.S. foreign and domestic policy should be guided by the interests, values, and security of the American people. I am also deeply committed to expanding access to mental health care, strengthening economic opportunity for working families, investing in education, and supporting community-based solutions that improve public health and workforce stability. Across all policy areas, I prioritize transparency, human rights, and public institutions that serve people rather than powerful donors or outside interests. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? I have not received any formal endorsements at this time. My campaign is focused on building grassroots support and engaging directly with voters and community leaders throughout Ohio’s 1st District.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nCampaign website Lynch's campaign website stated the following: Campaign Finance Reform Democracy should belong to voters — not corporations. I support banning corporate PAC money, ending dark money influence, strengthening disclosure laws, and advancing public financing systems that empower small donors over billionaires. Democracy works best when every voice counts. Right now, corporations and billionaires have outsized influence in elections, often drowning out the voices of everyday voters. Dark money, corporate PACs, and hidden contributions allow wealthy interests to shape policy to benefit themselves rather than working families. This undermines trust in government and leaves communities with leaders who respond more to money than to people.\\n\\nI support banning corporate PAC money, ending dark money influence, and strengthening disclosure laws so voters know who is funding campaigns. Additionally, public financing systems can empower small donors and grassroots movements, giving every person the opportunity to have a meaningful say in our democracy. By returning power to voters, we can ensure government reflects the needs and priorities of the people it serves. Civil Liberties Protect the Constitution for everyone. Safeguard voting rights, defend free speech, ensure equal protection under the law, and reject authoritarian efforts that weaken democratic institutions. The freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are only meaningful if they apply to everyone. Yet across the country, we’ve seen attempts to restrict voting, suppress speech, and undermine protections for marginalized communities. Civil liberties are the foundation of a just society, and they require constant defense. When any individual or group is denied their rights, democracy itself is weakened, and communities lose trust in their government.\\n\\nI will fight to safeguard voting rights, defend freedom of expression, and ensure equal protection under the law for all. This includes resisting authoritarian efforts, expanding access to the ballot, and making sure every person’s voice can be heard. Strong civil liberties empower people to engage fully in civic life, challenge injustices, and build communities rooted in fairness, accountability, and shared responsibility. Climate & Energy Transition to clean energy, invest in green jobs, protect air and water, and hold polluters accountable while building a sustainable economy. Climate change is an urgent challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to create good jobs and healthier communities. Pollution, extreme weather, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Ignoring this crisis threatens both the planet and our quality of life.\\n\\nI support transitioning to clean energy, investing in green jobs, and protecting air, water, and natural resources. Polluters must be held accountable, and climate solutions should benefit communities economically and environmentally. By acting boldly, we can protect the planet while creating sustainable jobs and resilient communities for generations to come. Criminal Justice Reform End mass incarceration, reform sentencing laws, expand reentry programs, and increase accountability while maintaining safe communities. The criminal justice system must be fair, equitable, and focused on rehabilitation. Mass incarceration, harsh sentencing, and systemic bias disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income families, leaving many without access to opportunity or support. Reform is essential for both justice and public safety.\\n\\nI support ending mass incarceration, reforming sentencing laws, expanding reentry programs, and ensuring accountability while keeping communities safe. Justice should protect society while promoting rehabilitation, opportunity, and dignity. A reformed system strengthens families, communities, and trust in the law. Economic Justice Build an economy that rewards work, not wealth extraction. Tax extreme wealth, raise wages, strengthen unions, and ensure corporate profits don’t come at the expense of working families. An economy that works only for the wealthy fails working families. Income and wealth inequality are rising, wages have stagnated for decades, and corporations too often prioritize shareholder profits over employee well-being. This creates barriers to housing, education, healthcare, and upward mobility, and leaves too many communities struggling to make ends meet.\\n\\nI support progressive taxation, raising wages, strengthening unions, and ensuring corporate accountability. Workers must share in the prosperity they help create, and extreme wealth should contribute fairly to the common good. By investing in economic justice, we build communities where opportunity is real, success is shared, and every person has a chance to thrive. Education Invest in public education, reduce class sizes, cancel student debt, and make higher education affordable so opportunity is not limited by zip code or income. Education is the foundation of opportunity, equality, and community growth. Yet many students face overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced schools, and skyrocketing higher education costs. Student debt limits career choices and financial independence, and disparities in school funding perpetuate inequality by zip code.\\n\\nI support investing in public education, reducing class sizes, expanding access to quality early childhood programs, and making higher education affordable for all. This includes debt cancellation and expanded vocational opportunities. Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed — building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous society. Financial Reform We must hold Wall Street accountable. That means regulating speculative banking practices, breaking up monopolistic financial institutions, and preventing corporate stock buybacks that prioritize shareholders over workers. Wall Street should serve the economy, not dominate it. Too often, large financial institutions engage in speculative practices that create economic instability while enriching a few at the expense of working families. Stock buybacks, unchecked consolidation, and complex loopholes prioritize corporate profits over real-world economic growth and opportunity. The current system leaves families vulnerable and widens inequality, while the most powerful continue to thrive.\\n\\nI support strong regulations to curb risky banking practices, break up monopolistic financial institutions, and ensure that investment serves communities, workers, and small businesses. By holding Wall Street accountable, we can create an economy that supports stable jobs, fair wages, and long-term prosperity for everyone. Financial reform is not just about oversight — it’s about building a system where opportunity is accessible, and wealth circulates equitably in society. Gun Violence Prevention Implement universal background checks, red flag laws, and invest in community violence prevention strategies to reduce gun-related harm. Gun violence devastates families and communities across the country. Every day, preventable shootings take lives, traumatize children, and destabilize neighborhoods. Too often, laws fail to protect the public while allowing dangerous weapons to circulate unchecked.\\n\\nI support universal background checks, red flag laws, and investment in community-based violence prevention programs. By reducing gun-related harm and promoting public safety, we protect families and create safer neighborhoods. Common-sense solutions save lives while respecting responsible gun ownership. Healthcare Healthcare is a human right. I support Medicare for All — universal coverage with no premiums, no deductibles, and no medical bankruptcy. Healthcare is a human right, and no one should face financial ruin to get the care they need. Millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, often delaying or skipping treatment for serious conditions. High premiums, deductibles, and medical debt prevent families from accessing life-saving care, and leave communities vulnerable to preventable illness. Our healthcare system should serve people, not profits.\\n\\nI support Medicare for All — universal, affordable coverage with no premiums, deductibles, or bankruptcy risk. Everyone should have access to primary care, mental health services, and specialty care, regardless of income. By creating a healthcare system that is accessible, equitable, and patient-centered, we ensure that families are healthier, communities are stronger, and no one is left behind. Housing Affordability Invest in affordable housing development, protect tenants from predatory practices, and address corporate speculation that drives up rents. Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Rising rents, predatory practices, and corporate speculation push families out of communities and create housing insecurity, affecting health, education, and economic stability. Affordable housing is a cornerstone of equality and opportunity.\\n\\nI support investing in affordable housing development, protecting tenants’ rights, and addressing market practices that drive up costs. Housing policies should ensure access, stability, and dignity for all families. By securing safe, affordable homes, we strengthen communities and build a foundation for long-term prosperity. Immigration Reform Support humane, orderly immigration policies, protect Dreamers, secure borders responsibly, and provide pathways to citizenship for long-term contributors. Immigration strengthens our communities and economy, yet current policies often leave families vulnerable and living in fear. Dreamers, long-term contributors, and hardworking immigrants deserve recognition, protection, and pathways to citizenship. Humane, orderly systems benefit both immigrants and the communities they serve.\\n\\nI support protecting Dreamers, creating pathways to citizenship, and implementing responsible border policies. Immigration reform should center human dignity, economic opportunity, and family unity. By welcoming and empowering immigrants, we build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can contribute and thrive. Indigenous Solidarity We support Indigenous and Native American communities across the U.S. and the world, fighting for justice, sovereignty, and the protection of their cultures, lands, and rights. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous and Native American communities across the United States and around the world. For too long, these communities have endured displacement, systemic injustice, and the erasure of their cultures and languages. Their struggles are not just historical — they are ongoing, from the fight for land sovereignty and treaty enforcement here at home to protecting sacred sites and resources abroad.\\n\\nA just society recognizes and respects the rights, knowledge, and leadership of Indigenous peoples. This means supporting tribal sovereignty, protecting treaty rights, ensuring access to healthcare and education, and listening to Indigenous voices in decisions about land, water, and climate policy. Globally, it means advocating for Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and recognizing the critical role these communities play in preserving our planet for future generations. We believe progress is only meaningful when it includes those whose voices have been silenced for too long. Infrastructure Rebuild roads, bridges, water systems, and expand broadband access. Modern infrastructure creates jobs and strengthens communities across Ohio. Modern, resilient infrastructure is vital for economic growth, safety, and quality of life. Aging roads, bridges, water systems, and unreliable broadband leave communities exposed to accidents, environmental hazards, and limited opportunity. Communities without proper infrastructure struggle to attract jobs, support schools, and connect residents.\\n\\nI support investments in rebuilding and modernizing infrastructure while expanding broadband access to every neighborhood. These projects create jobs, enhance public safety, and strengthen local economies. Infrastructure should serve the people, improve daily life, and build long-term resilience for Ohio families and communities. LGBTQIA+ Rights Every person deserves equality under the law. Protect marriage equality, ban discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare, and defend transgender Americans from political targeting and harmful legislation. Every person deserves the right to live openly and safely, without fear of discrimination or harassment. Across housing, employment, healthcare, and public spaces, LGBTQIA+ individuals still face barriers that limit opportunity and well-being. Legal protections exist, but enforcement is inconsistent, and harmful legislation targeting transgender and nonbinary people has been increasing in many states. Equality under the law is not optional — it is essential for a just society.\\n\\nI support protecting marriage equality, banning discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, and defending transgender Americans from political targeting and harmful policies. Beyond legal protections, we must promote inclusion, representation, and community support to ensure LGBTQIA+ people can thrive. By standing firmly for LGBTQIA+ rights, we build a society that values dignity, fairness, and the contributions of every individual. Mental Health Expand affordable mental health services, integrate behavioral healthcare into primary care, and prioritize prevention over crisis-only response. Mental health is essential to overall well-being, yet services remain inaccessible, unaffordable, or fragmented. Many people go without care until crises occur, worsening outcomes and placing unnecessary burdens on families and communities. Preventative and integrated care is critical for health, productivity, and happiness.\\n\\nI support expanding affordable mental health services, integrating behavioral health into primary care, and emphasizing prevention. Everyone deserves access to treatment, counseling, and support networks that help them thrive. Prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. Reproductive Freedom Medical decisions belong to patients and doctors — not politicians. I support protecting abortion access, IVF, contraception, and bodily autonomy nationwide. Access to reproductive healthcare is fundamental to gender equity, personal freedom, and public health. Individuals must be able to make medical decisions about their own bodies without political interference. Barriers to abortion, contraception, IVF, and other reproductive services create unnecessary harm and disproportionately affect low-income communities and people of color. Reproductive restrictions limit opportunity and autonomy, and threaten the basic right to bodily self-determination.\\n\\nI support protecting reproductive freedom nationwide, ensuring access to abortion care, contraceptives, fertility treatments, and comprehensive healthcare services. Education, prevention, and community support are central to these efforts. By securing reproductive rights, we empower people to make informed choices, plan their families, and participate fully in society — reinforcing equity, health, and opportunity for all. Seniors Protect and expand Social Security and Medicare. No cuts, no privatization. Benefits must reflect modern costs of living and ensure dignity in retirement. Our seniors deserve security, dignity, and independence. Social Security and Medicare provide essential support to millions of retirees, yet threats of privatization, benefit cuts, and underfunding put this security at risk. Rising healthcare costs, housing expenses, and inflation make it harder for seniors to live with comfort and stability.\\n\\nI will protect and expand Social Security and Medicare to ensure benefits reflect modern living costs and provide reliable support. Seniors should have access to quality healthcare, safe housing, and resources that honor their lifetime of contributions. By strengthening these programs, we ensure older adults can age with dignity and continue to contribute to our communities. Small Business Support Expand access to capital, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and support local entrepreneurs who drive job creation in our communities. Small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and foster community resilience. Yet entrepreneurs often face barriers such as limited access to capital, excessive regulations, and market pressures that favor large corporations. Supporting small business is essential to vibrant neighborhoods and economic diversity.\\n\\nI support policies that expand access to funding, streamline regulatory processes, and provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs. By empowering small businesses, we nurture local innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Small business success is community success. Veterans Fully fund veterans’ healthcare, mental health services, and housing support. Those who served deserve consistent and accessible care. Veterans have sacrificed to protect our nation and deserve comprehensive support when they return home. Too many face barriers to healthcare, mental health services, and stable housing. Without consistent, accessible care, our veterans risk preventable hardship, including homelessness, untreated injuries, and limited economic opportunity.\\n\\nI will fully fund veterans’ healthcare, expand mental health services, and ensure housing support programs meet demand. By honoring their service through tangible assistance, we strengthen not only veterans’ lives but the communities they return to. Veterans should be able to thrive, contribute, and receive the respect and care they’ve earned. Worker Co-ops / Community Ownership Support worker-owned businesses and local ownership models that keep wealth circulating in communities rather than flowing to distant shareholders. Local ownership builds resilient, thriving communities. Too often, corporate profits flow to distant shareholders, leaving workers and neighborhoods without control over their economic future. Supporting worker-owned businesses strengthens economic democracy and ensures that wealth stays in the communities that create it.\\n\\nI support policies that expand worker cooperatives, community ownership models, and local investment initiatives. By keeping decision-making and profits close to the people who generate value, we empower workers, strengthen neighborhoods, and create a more equitable economy. Community ownership is a path to shared prosperity and long-term stability. Workers' Rights Protect the right to organize, strengthen collective bargaining, raise the minimum wage, and ensure workplace safety protections for all workers. Every worker deserves a safe workplace, fair pay, and the ability to have a voice on the job. Yet workers are too often denied these protections, and the power imbalance between employers and employees leaves communities economically vulnerable. Stagnant wages, weak union protections, and unsafe conditions hurt families and limit opportunities.\\n\\nI support protecting the right to organize, strengthening collective bargaining, raising the minimum wage, and enforcing workplace safety regulations. When workers have fair representation, wages reflect labor, and protections are enforced, communities prosper. Strong labor rights are the foundation of a fair and equitable economy. — Damon Lynch's campaign website (April 21, 2026) Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source."}]