Easton Retzke, Candidate for Ohio HD-89, Announces Endorsement from Ohio Federation of Teachers

SANDUSKY, Ohio — Easton Retzke, Democratic nominee for Ohio House District 89, today announced that his campaign has received the endorsement of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), a statewide union organization representing educators, school employees, higher education faculty, and healthcare professionals across Ohio.

The endorsement highlights Retzke’s commitment to strengthening public education, supporting educators, and ensuring that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have the support of the Ohio Federation of Teachers,” said Retzke. “Teachers show up for our kids every single day, often without the resources or support they deserve. To have an organization that represents educators across Ohio believe in this campaign means a great deal to me.”

Public education has been a central focus of Retzke’s campaign. He has consistently advocated for directing state education funding toward public schools, expanding career and technical education opportunities, supporting educators in the classroom, and increasing accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Retzke has also been an outspoken critic of Ohio’s rapidly expanding private school voucher system, arguing that it diverts critical resources away from local public school districts.

“I hear a lot of people talk about school choice, but what I hear from parents, teachers, and taxpayers is that they’re tired of watching public schools get shortchanged,” Retzke said. “We keep finding more money for voucher programs while local districts are being asked to stretch every dollar further. That doesn’t make sense to me.”

According to Retzke, Ohio’s education system should prioritize the schools that serve the overwhelming majority of students and are accountable to local communities.

“If we’re serious about giving every child a quality education, then we need to start by fully funding the public schools that serve the vast majority of Ohio students,” he said. “We shouldn’t be taking money out of our neighborhood schools and calling it a solution.”

Retzke pointed to the challenges many districts face, including staffing shortages, aging facilities, and increasing operational costs, while state leaders continue expanding voucher eligibility and spending.

“I have a real problem with sending more and more taxpayer money to private schools while public schools are left fighting over scraps,” Retzke said. “Public schools take every student who walks through the door. They are the backbone of our communities. They should be our first priority.”

In addition to protecting public school funding, Retzke supports expanding workforce development programs, apprenticeships, and career-technical education pathways that prepare students for careers in the skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, and other high-demand industries.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting educators and retaining quality teachers in Ohio classrooms.

“Teachers aren’t asking to get rich. They’re asking for the tools to do their jobs and the respect they deserve,” Retzke said. “If we want to attract and keep great educators, we have to stop treating them like an afterthought.”

The Ohio Federation of Teachers joins a growing coalition of labor organizations, community leaders, and grassroots supporters backing Retzke’s campaign to bring a new generation of leadership to the Ohio Statehouse.

“As someone who recently graduated and is part of a younger generation stepping up to lead, I know how important a good public education can be,” Retzke said. “I want every kid in Ohio to have the same opportunities I had. That’s why I’ll keep fighting for our public schools, our teachers, and our students.”

Retzke is the Democratic nominee for Ohio House District 89, which includes Erie County, Ottawa County, and portions of Huron County. The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.

Media Contact:

Christy Retzke

info@retzkeforrepresentative.com