COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bill O’Neill, a former justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, has announced his decision to run for a congressional seat in northeast Ohio that is currently occupied by Republican U.S. Representative David Joyce. O’Neill, aged 78 and a member of the Democratic Party, expressed that he is motivated to leave retirement behind due to grave concerns about the state of government.
“I cannot simply stand by and watch as the government deteriorates,” O’Neill remarked in his statement. He highlighted several key issues that he believes need addressing: the unavailability of affordable healthcare for many Americans, misconduct by police officers he described as “armed thugs,” and the neglect of environmental protection efforts.
While O’Neill acknowledges Joyce as a “nice guy,” he challenges him on his support for former President Donald Trump’s policies and for the actions linked to billionaire Elon Musk’s involvement in Trump’s government efficiency projects. O’Neill, who has varied experience as a U.S. Army veteran, registered nurse, and former judge, served the Ohio Supreme Court from 2013 until his retirement in 2018.
Reflecting on his political journey, O’Neill mentioned that out of 12 elections in Ohio’s 14th Congressional District—which includes several counties—he has secured victory in nine. He has embarked on judicial and congressional campaigns multiple times in the past.
David Joyce, aged 68, before entering Congress, served as the prosecutor for Geauga County and has been a House member since 2013. As of yet, Joyce’s campaign team has not issued a response regarding O’Neill’s announcement of his candidacy.