Ian Schwartz, a Democrat and Air Force veteran, is running for Ohio House of Representatives District 62 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Jean Schmidt and Libertarian Ron Grethel.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Education: High school diploma, Bloomsburg Area High School; bachelor's degree in philosophy, University of Cincinnati (2020); master's degree in legal studies, Northern Kentucky University (2023)
  • Military service: U.S. Air Force Security Forces, Convoy Response Team Leader (2007–2011); received a medical retirement
  • Endorsement: AFL-CIO

Schwartz said on his campaign website that he grew up in a working-class family in the Pocono Mountains. His father was a welder and his mother stayed home to raise the family. After the Sept. 11 attacks, Schwartz said he immediately volunteered to serve in the Air Force. He became a Tactical Response Force leader protecting nuclear facilities and leading troops under pressure, according to his campaign site. He received a medical retirement.

According to his Ballotpedia profile, Schwartz holds a high school diploma from Bloomsburg Area High School. He later earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Cincinnati in 2020 and a master's degree in legal studies from Northern Kentucky University in 2023, according to BallotReady profile data.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Schwartz's campaign website and his responses on BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Infrastructure and utility costs: Schwartz said he wants to end taxpayer subsidies to developers and make development "pay its fair share for roads, infrastructure, and services." He said he would fight utility rate increases and work to keep electricity and water bills under control for families. He also said he wants to stabilize electricity rates.

Healthcare: Schwartz said he would protect Medicare and Medicaid so seniors, veterans and working families keep access to care. He said he supports expanding mental health access through schools, local providers and telehealth services. He also said he would support local hospitals and rural clinics and work to lower drug costs.

Taxes and housing: Schwartz said he wants to stop property tax spikes and support policies that keep homeownership stable and affordable for families.

Government transparency: Schwartz said he would keep government decisions open, accountable and transparent, and end what he called backroom deals.

Environment and agriculture: Schwartz said he wants to protect local land, preserve farmland, support access to locally produced food and protect clean water.

Endorsements

Schwartz has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, according to BallotReady profile data.

Candidate responses were drawn from Schwartz's campaign website and BallotReady. The Loveland-Symmes Chronicle did not interview the candidate for this profile. Voters can learn more at schwartzforstaterep.org.