Background
Riedel previously represented Defiance, Paulding, and Van Wert counties in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he served three terms and held leadership roles on committees focused on economic development, workforce issues, and natural resources. He has also been deeply involved in his community through coaching youth sports, serving on church councils, supporting local booster organizations, and participating in Rotary. Craig and his wife, Danette, have been married 36 years and reside in Defiance, where they remain active volunteers and proud grandparents.
Craig Riedel brings decades of private sector experience, community leadership, and public service to his candidacy for Ohio Senate District 1. Born and raised on a farm in Attica, Ohio, he learned the value of hard work early before earning his civil engineering degree from The Ohio State University. He went on to spend 27 years in the steel industry at Nucor VulcraftGroup, serving as both a design engineer and sales manager—experience that shaped his understanding of job creation, economic competitiveness, and the needs of Ohio’s workforce.
Motivation to Run for Office
Craig Riedel is running for the Ohio Senate to bring commonsense, pro-growth leadership to Columbus. After decades in the private sector and six years in the legislature, he believes Ohio must double down on policies that support job creation, reduce regulatory burdens, and strengthen local infrastructure—especially in rural communities. His campaign centers onconnecting with voters across the district, listening to their priorities, and delivering results that make Northwest Ohio more competitive.
Riedel is driven by a belief that Ohio needs leaders with real world experience who understand both the economic pressures families face and the importance of accountable, limited government. Riedel sees an opportunity to build on his record of fiscal responsibility, advocacy for taxpayers, and commitment to strengthening communities throughout one of Ohio’s largest Senate districts.
Policy Positions
Economic Freedom
Craig Riedel is committed to building a stronger, more competitive Ohio economy. Drawing from nearly three decades in the steel industry, he supports policies that encourage growth, lower taxes, and reduce regulations that hinder job creation. He believes Ohio must cut red tape, support small businesses, and invest in workforce development to stay competitive.
Riedel has pledged never to vote to raise taxes and supports eliminating Ohio’s income tax altogether. He champions property tax relief, particularly for seniors and homeowners facing rising assessments, and consistently advocates reducing government spending rather than increasing taxpayer burdens.
Education Opportunity
As a father and longtime community volunteer, Riedel believes parents must have a strong voice in their children’s education. He supports school choice, arguing that every child—regardless of ZIP code—deserves access to high quality learning options. Riedel backs policies that empower families, including expanding educational options beyond traditional public schools.
Government Modernization
Craig Riedel advocates for smaller, more efficient government that prioritizes taxpayers. He supports efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse—mirroring federal efforts to rein in bureaucracy—and believes Ohio must reduce administrative bloat and return power to the people.
His legislative record reflects support for reducing regulations, expanding occupational licensing reciprocity, and protecting property owners from excessive taxation or government overreach. Riedel consistently aligns with policies that streamline government and ensure accountability at every level.
Energy Abundance
Riedel supports policies that increase Ohio’s energy production and competitiveness. His voting record shows strong alignment with expanding oil and gas drilling beneath state ownedland and reducing regulatory burdens that stifle innovation in the energy sector.
He emphasizes that energy policy must prioritize affordability, reliability, and innovation to keep Ohio’s industries strong and utility costs manageable for families. His private sectorbackground informs his belief that energy infrastructure is foundational for economic growth.
