Defiance County, Ohio

Ohio House District 81

2 candidates are tracked for Ohio House District 81 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: David Swanson and Patti Rockey. Candidate information follows official Defiance County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

David Swanson (Democratic), Patti Rockey (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Ohio House District 81. Not on the November ballot: James M. Hoops, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the May 5, 2026 primary or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list; Ohio prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

Ohio › Defiance County › Ohio House District 81

David Swanson

Democratic

Top priorities

Says the challenges Ohio faces 'don't belong to one side of the aisle, and neither do the solutions,' favoring a collaborative approach.
Campaigns on the motto 'putting people before politics,' saying Swanson wants to serve all constituents, not only those who vote for Swanson.

Per the campaign site.

Biography

David Swanson is the Democratic candidate for Ohio House District 81. Swanson is the founder of Daavlin, a Bryan-based medical device manufacturer with more than 100 employees, and a U.S. Navy veteran who grew up on a dairy farm, per the Village Reporter. Swanson holds degrees in political science and international trade, per the same source.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Patti Rockey

Republican

Biography

Patti Rockey is the Republican candidate for Ohio House District 81. Rockey is serving a fourth term as Williams County Recorder and chairs the Williams County Republican Party, per the Village Reporter.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotOhio House District 82

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Ohio House District 81 in 2026?

When is the Ohio House District 81 election in Ohio?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Ohio are on the Ohio election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Defiance County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Defiance County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Ohio election office, or see the full Defiance County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Defiance County ballot

3 tracked races in Defiance County, Ohio. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Ohio Senate District 1 See all 3 Defiance County races

Candidate profiles

David Swanson, full profile Patti Rockey, full profile Official Ohio election office