By Peaches Calhoun, Founder/CEO of Humanity First Ohio 

On May 6, 2025, Ohioans embarked on a spirited journey to the ballot, not merely to cast votes, but to weave the fabric of our communities, hopes, and futures. In Franklin County, the air crackled with anticipation as voters embraced their democratic duty, selecting leaders who will shape the local political landscape.

Each choice was a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of our aspirations. But in Licking County, the poignant victory of a proposed constitutional amendment—the roar of 57.7% approval—echoed through our hearts, signaling a united stance on crucial state issues. Meanwhile, a dismal 10% voter turnout cast a long shadow in Fairfield County, igniting urgent conversations about civic engagement and representation.  

Wins and Losses: A Symphony of Stakes  

In the grand theater of democracy, every election is a dramatic performance of winners and losers, but the implications resonate far deeper than mere statistics. Triumphs can illuminate a community’s embrace of pivotal policies, sending ripples of hope through the populace. In Cincinnati, the incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval emerged triumphant, an unstoppable force, as he cruised toward a heated general election against the audacious newcomer, Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance. Herein lies the excitement, the uncertainty, and the fervor of a political battlefield—an arena where the heartbeats of the populace echo louder than the shouts of candidates. 

Reframing Defeat: A Call to Rise  

But amidst the peaks of victory, the valleys of disappointment paint a stark contrast. For those whose chosen candidates didn’t navigate past the primary finish line, take heed: this isn’t the curtain call. No! It is your origin moment. In the gripping narrative of life, not all heroes emerge from the fray unscathed. Some stumble—yet it is in their falling that they find the strength to rise, tempered and resolute. Now is a time to gather—to weave threads of hope, not bitterness, into a bold new tapestry.  

This is your moment, a moment that yearns for an A-Team, an Avengers-worthy alliance of passionate advocates, fearless community builders, and brilliant thinkers—warriors who know that leadership doesn’t require titles. It requires heart. Whether your candidate soared or sank, the timeless proclamation resonates: “We the People.” We—the victorious, the fallen, the watchful—remain the lifeblood of democracy.  

This is not the time for lamentation. It is time to roll up our sleeves, to transform the sting of political disappointment into the fuel of civic engagement—holding victors accountable, breathing life into platforms from the ground up, ensuring that the power we grant is fueled by purpose and intention.  

Because democracy isn’t a manufactured juice with a label claiming to be 100% juice; it’s the fresh-squeezed juice, derived from hands that dare to believe they still matter. It defies the confines of saviors and party lines. It embodies the natural selection of resilience, the undeniable truth that when systems crumble, the people rise from the ashes like a fiery phoenix taking to the sky to rebuild.  

So, if your candidate emerged victorious, hold their gaze and ask, “What will your first act of courage be?” And if your candidate fell short, don’t scatter like leaves in the wind. Join forces. Don’t let this be a goodbye; let it be a rallying cry. Refuse to fade into the shadows. Become an unwavering reminder that We the People are still here, still striving, still showing up. 

Capitalizing on Victory: The Road Ahead  

The real work begins now for those jubilant supporters basking in the glow of victory. Hold your champions accountable, pressing them to transform campaign promises into tangible actions. Your active engagement—whether attending town halls or participating in advisory boards—will shape policies and ensure they reflect the community’s needs.  

Envisioning Our Community: Beyond Dystopian Fables  

Are we destined to live in a society fragmented into rigid factions, echoes of dystopian tales like Divergent or The Hunger Games? Or shall we strive for a vibrant community rooted in unity, empathy, and collective progress, reminiscent of the powerful solidarity displayed in Selma? Our choices today write the script for the societal structures of tomorrow. 

The Pencil and the Pen: Crafting Our Shared Journey  

This primary election isn’t merely a series of marks on a ballot; it’s a rough draft of our collective ethos. As we approach the general election, we have the opportunity to refine this vision, ensuring it encapsulates the diverse voices and needs of every Ohioan. By engaging in thoughtful discourse, fostering inclusiveness, and championing transparency, we can co-author a future that embodies our shared values.  

Humanity First Ohio: Illuminating Inclusive Civic Engagement  

At Humanity First Ohio, our mission resonates loudly: to educate, empower, and connect individuals across our great state. We believe every voice is a note in the grand symphony of democracy, and that through our collective action, we can craft a more equitable and compassionate society.  

As we reflect on the outcomes of the May 2025 primary, let’s rededicate ourselves to active participation, ensuring that our democracy remains not just vibrant but alive with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to a brighter tomorrow. Together, let us be the architects of a future where every heartbeat matters, forging a path that leads to justice, equality, and hope. 

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