Rep. Nathan Manning announces state senate run

Would succeed mother, who is term limited

“I’ve been honored to be a voice for our communities in the state legislature and I’d like to continue working for better jobs, stronger schools and safer neighborhoods.” — Nathan Manning

State Rep. Nathan Manning will run for Ohio’s 13 State Senate seat, which includes all of Lorain and Huron counties.

The North Ridgeville Republican would succeed his mother, state Sen. Gayle Manning, who is in her second term but may not run again for the post due to term limits.

“I’ve been honored to be a voice for our communities in the state legislature and I’d like to continue working for better jobs, stronger schools and safer neighborhoods,” Nathan Manning said. “Those are critical priorities, but I also believe more needs to be done to combat the drug epidemic facing our families.

“That fight demands our full attention, and I look forward to building on the historic work we’ve already done to beat back this crisis.”

Manning currently is serving his second term in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he is chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee and serves as policy chair for the majority caucus.

He represents Ohio’s 55th House District, which is part of Lorain County.

A graduate of North Ridgeville High School, Manning earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Denison University and his juris doctor from Capital University Law School.

He has served as city prosecutor for North Ridgeville and owns the law firm Manning & Manning in North Ridgeville.

Manning lives in North Ridgeville with his wife, Jennifer, who is a teacher at Lakewood High School.

In the Ohio Senate, some members who are attorneys have worked for large firms in the big cities of Ohio, Gayle Manning said.

In contrast, Nathan Manning has worked in local courts and in Columbus people refer to him for expertise on judicial issues at the local level, Gayle Manning said.

“I think he’ll be a real good fit,” she said. “I’m hoping he has a very successful race.”

A retired teacher, Gayle Manning said she has had numerous discussions about potential work at the county and state level if she continues in politics.

“I just haven’t made any decisions yet,” she said.