Councilman joins chorus of elected officials leaving Democrat Party to ‘come home’

MANSFIELD — After the 2020 elections, the outgoing State Democrat Chairman cited North Central Ohio as a key area Democrats failed to reach. It is no surprise several local office holders are leaving the Democrat Party and going to greener pastures.

One City Councilman believes the party no longer represents tolerance and diversity when it comes to faith and values.

“When I first served on Council, it did not matter if you were a Democrat or a Republican, it was about collaborating with council colleagues and doing what is best for the community,” explains Fifth Ward Councilman Jason Lawrence.

As a husband and a father of four, Mr. Lawrence believes strong families are foundational for a vibrant community. He regularly leads council meetings with an opening prayer invocation.

“As time has gone by, I have made the discovery: the Democrat Establishment is not inclusive of independent-thinkers if you happen to embrace family values shaped by Biblical faith. This is why I feel I can no longer best serve my ward as a Democrat. I am coming home to the Republican Party.”

The Councilman faced heavy criticism from the Democrat stalwarts for his votes against legalizing marijuana and against a divisive systemic racism resolution. As a result, the party tried to strong-arm him by grooming a candidate to oppose him in this Spring’s primary.

“In these dangerous times, we need to defend the police not defund them. In addition, putting mind-altering drugs on the streets will create more combustible conditions in our neighborhoods. I want to bring more families back to the Fifth Ward, and having safe neighborhoods is of paramount importance.”

Earlier this week a high-profile black lawmaker, State Rep. Vernon Jones, announced he was cutting ties with the Democrat Party and “leaving the plantation.” Last year the lifelong Georgia Democrat stated he “did not leave the Democrat Party, the Democrat Party left him.”

Last but not least, Richland County Auditor Patrick Dropsey will also be switching parties and leaving the Democrat Party after holding the elected office for twenty years. The Republican Party is welcoming him with open arms.

And this coming Fall of 2021, Councilman Lawrence will be running for re-election as…a Republican.

“It is eye-opening that the Republican Party saw a significant increase in support from Hispanic and Black voters for the 2020 Presidential election,” the Fifth Ward Councilman commented. “I think people are tired of their vote being taken for granted.”

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