Republican Michael Rulli Wins Ohio Special Election; Claims Seat, Free Parking, and a Get Out of Jail Free Card
3 minute read
Published: 6/13/2024
### Republican Michael Rulli Wins Ohio Special Election; Claims Seat, Free Parking, and a Get Out of Jail Free CardIn a turn of political events that felt more like a round of Monopoly than a congressional race, Republican Michael Rulli has triumphed in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District special election. Winning nearly 55% of the votes (USA Today, 2024, June 12), Rulli successfully passed go, collected $200, and secured his spot on the board of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Facing off against Democrat Michael L. Kripchak, Rulli pulled through in a contest that was about as suspenseful as a three-hour game of Risk. For those less familiar with Ohio micro-politics, Rulli is a state senator representing a district in the Youngstown area. By day, he serves as an executive for his family’s grocery store chain—because balancing the price of cabbages and keeping aisle 3 clear of spills is clearly perfect training for Congress (USA Today, 2024, June 12; CNN, 2024, June 12).
### Nailing the Strategy
Rulli’s win is more than just a GOP victory—it adds another critical vote to the slim Republican majority in the House. With 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and four vacancies (USA Today, 2024, June 12), Rulli pushes the tally to 219 Republicans. The remaining three vacancies are probably feeling a little FOMO right now. The electoral landscape looks much like a Jenga tower swaying under the pressure of one too many ambitious moves.
### Replacing Bill Johnson
Rulli will be stepping into the shoes of former Rep. Bill Johnson, who has graciously bowed out to become the president of Youngstown State University. Johnson previously won his seat with considerably wider margins—74.4% in 2020 and 67.7% in 2022 (USA Today, 2024, June 12). Comparatively, Rulli’s margin was slimmer—like comparing the Guinness Book record-holding tallest stack of pancakes to your Saturday morning attempt.
### The Future Rematch
This political chess game isn’t over—Rulli and Kripchak are set to clash once more in the November election for a full two-year term. It's like the electoral version of Rocky vs. Apollo Creed—one that never seems to end, only now with more PAC money and fewer boxing gloves (CNN, 2024, June 12).
### Trump Factor
The district would have swung decisively in favor of Donald Trump by 28 points in 2020 under its current lines (CNN, 2024, June 12). This makes Rulli’s margin seem as narrow as a washcloth in a hurricane. Clearly, the district likes its candidates like it likes its hotdogs—red, and with a hearty serving of local endorsements.
### Endorsements and Campaign Trail
Speaking of endorsements, Rulli wasn’t short of cheerleaders. He garnered nods from former Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken, Ohio Rep. David Joyce, and the US Chamber of Commerce (CNN, 2024, June 12). Proving that in politics, as in football, having a solid support team is half the battle—and often the more photogenic half.
### Conclusion
So, there you have it: another chapter in the saga of Ohio’s Congressional escapades. While Michael Rulli gets set to officially take office in July, all eyes are on the upcoming November rematch. With a Get Out of Jail Free Card firmly in hand and his name now on the Congressional roster, Rulli is prepared for whatever political board game comes next. One thing’s for sure: Ohio’s 6th District is far from finished rolling the dice.
### Sources
- USA Today. (2024, June 12). Ohio special election results: Republican Michael Rulli wins to claim US House seat. USA Today. [URL if available].
- CNN. (2024, June 12). Republicans set to expand House majority with victory in Ohio special election. CNN. [URL if available].
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