Winning Strategies for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus 

Overview

In the 2024 election cycle, Statecraft Media partnered with Representatives Joe Miller, Sean Brennan, and Dan Troy on behalf of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus to craft compelling campaigns that resonated with their constituents. Through data-driven messaging, strategic ad placements, and grassroots mobilization, each candidate not only secured victory but also outperformed Vice President Harris on the ballot. This case study examines the tailored strategies deployed for each campaign and their impact on election day results.

Strategic Approach

Our overarching strategy focused on four key pillars:

  1. Localized Messaging: Ensuring that each candidate's campaign highlighted the specific needs and concerns of their districts.

  2. Multi-Platform Advertising: Leveraging a mix of digital, print, and grassroots outreach to maximize voter engagement.

  3. Contrast and Mobilization: Drawing clear distinctions between our candidates and their opponents while energizing base voters and persuadable constituents.

  4. Voter Targeting: Utilizing advanced data analytics to identify key voter segments, tailor outreach efforts, and increase voter turnout among high-propensity and swing voters.

Representative Joe Miller

Joe Miller's campaign centered on his steadfast advocacy for economic growth, social equity, and public education. Our messaging highlighted his commitment to supporting small businesses, protecting workers' rights, and strengthening Ohio’s education system. Through direct mail, targeted digital ads, and community-driven outreach, we positioned Representative Miller as a champion of working families. His campaign outperformed VP Harris by a significant margin, demonstrating strong local trust in his leadership.

Representative Sean Brennan

Sean Brennan’s campaign leveraged his deep roots in public service and education to connect with voters. His messaging focused on pragmatic solutions for Ohio’s working and middle-class families, emphasizing healthcare affordability, public safety, and education funding. Our campaign used direct mail, high-frequency digital advertising, and community engagement efforts to amplify his record of effective leadership. Representative Brennan's election day performance showcased his ability to bridge partisan divides, outperforming VP Harris and securing a decisive victory.

Representative Dan Troy

Dan Troy’s extensive experience in public service and bipartisan problem-solving were central themes of his campaign. We crafted a messaging strategy that underscored his leadership in protecting Lake Erie, advocating for responsible economic policies, and supporting public safety initiatives. Through a well-balanced mix of traditional and digital media, Representative Troy effectively communicated his record to voters, leading to an over performance compared to VP Harris on election day.

Election Day Performance

Representative Brennan won the district by an impressive 16.22% margin, while Representative Troy won with a respectable 5.6%, outperforming expectations and demonstrating the effectiveness of our communication plans.

Their victories were two of only three Democratic wins in Ohio state house districts carried by Trump in 2020. Representative Miller also won his district by an impressive margin of 12.54%, significantly outpacing Vice President Harris's margin in a district she carried more narrowly.

Conclusion

Statecraft Digital's partnership with Representatives Miller, Brennan, and Troy on behalf of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus demonstrated the impact of data-driven, community-focused campaigning. By prioritizing authentic messaging and maximizing voter outreach, we helped deliver decisive wins in a challenging electoral landscape. The OHDC was not only able to protect all vulnerable incumbent members, but also flip seats for the first time since the 2018 election cycle.