Searching for Hope in Ohio Politics

In this episode, Ainslee is joined by our producer and host of her own podcast, Columbus Can’t Wait, Tareya Palmer. Columbus Can’t Wait focuses on local politics in Columbus and holding those in power accountable to the community. Tareya and Ainslee get candid about why it feels so hard to keep trying to make positive change in Ohio politics, especially when we keep losing. They discuss the creative ways Ohioans can keep pushing Ohio towards progress, even when everything is stacked against us. The voters decide, then the politicians overrule.Ohio politics is always rough for progressives, but in recent years it’s been altogether demoralizing. Despite continuing to have a purple electorate and powerful tools for a people-led democracy, Ohio’s state government is bright red, with seemingly endless hostility towards anyone outside the MAGA multiverse. Even worse, many of the politicians in power weaponize their authority to undermine hard-earned voter victories, be it redistricting reform, abortion rights, or marijuana legalization. It can feel hopeless, and for good reason. But we find hope anyway. We keep going. Because we have to.Whether it’s mobilizing around ballot initiatives, demanding more proactive action from politicians, or learning from policy successes in other parts of the country, there are ways that even the most frustrated Ohioans can get to work to preserve what’s left of our state’s democracy. It might involve building coalitions with groups you don’t agree with 100% of the time. It might involve finding common ground with people you’re still pretty mad at.It might involve difficult policy compromises. The fight for justice is always a worthwhile endeavor.Episode Information:Recorded: Tuesday, April 14, 2026In this Episode: Ainslee Johnson-Brown, Tareya PalmerProduced, Edited, and Recorded by: Devin “Dev Draper” Palmer and Tareya PalmerSupport Our WorkThanks for listening. Our work is sustained through the generous support of everyday Ohioans, not billionaire bankrollers. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Ever $5 a month can make a big difference.More from Ohioans Against ExtremismSave the Date! June 17: Ballot Fair in AkronOn the evening of Wednesday, June 17, Ohioans Against Extremism will host our second ballot fair in Akron. Look out for an RSVP form soon. Email [email protected] if you are working on a ballot issue or voter education in the Akron area and would like to be a part of this event.Join our Community Partner NetworkJoin a diverse network of community partners and take advantage of private planning sessions, exclusive safety resources, a free spot at OAE’s training sessions, and more. Learn More.Get the weekly “This week @ the Statehouse” into your inbox every Monday!We send weekly dispatches from Hell the Statehouse. Each week, we provide a brief overview of what we’re paying attention to as we monitor the Ohio Legislature. We will flag bills that are moving, bills we’re fighting for or against, and provide timely reminders about other things advocates should be thinking about.Make sure to sign up for our email alerts to get this summary right to your inbox every week.Join the Helpers CohortThe Helpers Cohort offers mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities to “politically homeless” activists in Ohio. This cohort will help experienced activists find their next pet project and help newer activists learn how their strengths can make a difference in the fight against extremism.Support & Follow Ohioans Against ExtremismDonate | Substack | Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | X | BlueSkyThanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.OHAGAINSTEXTREMISM.ORG Get full access to Ohioans Against Extremism at ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe