TIFFIN, Ohio — Democratic candidate Aaron Jones will hold his official campaign kickoff for Ohio House District 88 on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reino’s Party Room in the Laird Arcade, 120 S. Washington St., Tiffin.
The event coincides with Downtown Tiffin’s “Arts, Beats, and Eats” Third Thursday, the first of the 2026 season, which runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the downtown district with live music, local artists, food specials, and DORA drink options.
Jones — a U.S. Army veteran, production supervisor at Toledo Molding & Die, and Tiffin City Councilman — is the only candidate running in the Democratic primary for the seat representing Seneca and Sandusky counties.
“I’ve spent over 20 years on the factory floor, I’ve served my country, and I serve my neighbors on City Council,” Jones said. “I’m running because the people of District 88 deserve a representative who understands what it takes to make ends meet — not someone beholden to out-of-state special interests.”
Jones served four years as an Airborne Infantryman with the U.S. Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard — the official ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States. After his honorable discharge in 1995, he returned to Seneca County, where he and his wife Tracy raised their blended family. They have four grandchildren.
Since joining Tiffin City Council in 2024, Jones has focused on supporting local jobs, public safety, and constituent access to government. In March, national veterans organization VoteVets endorsed his campaign.
A different kind of kickoff
Jones’s decision to hold his kickoff during a public downtown event — and to make the event open to all with a suggested donation — draws a notable contrast with the campaign launch held by incumbent State Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) in late March.
Click’s March 28 kickoff at the Octagon House in Clyde required a minimum $50 payment for entry, with host committee tiers reaching $1,000. There was no free admission option. The event featured Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, Majority Whip Nick Santucci, and State Treasurer Robert Sprague — all Columbus power brokers.
Jones’s kickoff carries a $50 suggested donation, but attendance is not contingent on payment. The event is open to the public.
What’s ahead in District 88
Jones is running unopposed in the May 5 Democratic primary. On the Republican side, Click faces a primary challenge from Eric Watson of Tiffin, who has collected endorsements from Ohio Gun Owners, End Abortion Ohio, and national conservative figures.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Jones in the November 3 general election.
More information about the Jones campaign and the April 16 event is available at jonesforohio.com.
