Andrey Martinichin is a local Angry Ohioan and guest contributor sharing what’s on his mind. In this piece, he describes his experience running for Congress in Ohio’s 7th District as a nurse and write-in candidate, seeking endorsements, and trying to participate in candidate forums.
https://www.andrey4congress.org/
“We consider this case against the background of a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials.”
Justice William Brennan wrote the majority opinion in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in 1964. The landmark Supreme Court case defended the press from being silenced by Southern officials who often used libel laws to silence newspapers for reporting on segregation.
Fast-forward a few decades, and we face another free-speech crisis in our nation. The current occupant of the Oval Office uses the power of the executive branch to silence media that he sees as opposing his viewpoints. Likewise, we see the Democratic Party using its influence to squash opponents of its agenda, most notably in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District.
Civic Engagement and Party Endorsements
Kamala Harris arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, in early February 2026 on her book tour to speak at Playhouse Square. I was in attendance, and what was most striking to me was the sheer amount of joy and happiness the audience members showed toward the former vice president. During her talk, she said that we need to raise a generation of civic-minded citizens.
I wholeheartedly agreed with that statement and acknowledge that doing this would take some time and a lot of elbow grease. However, the entity that represents Ms. Harris, the Democratic Party, is actively going against that very statement.
Earlier in the year, former OH-7 candidate Laura Rodriguez-Carbone reported on the antics of the Democratic Party in her article “The Endorsement Cartel.” It highlighted how the Democratic Party uses its influence to direct outcomes in a particular race. In this case, all support went to one candidate in the OH-7 race, Brian Poindexter.
It further highlighted the disparity between grassroots campaigns and institutional spending, along with how the party shuts out anti-establishment or alternative candidates by controlling local resources and endorsements. A few months after the primaries, I can wholeheartedly agree with Laura that there is a cartel against the people, and it’s the very establishment that claims it wants more civic-minded citizens.
Nursing Organizations and a Nurse’s Candidacy
Earlier in the year, I reached out to Nurses for America and the Ohio Nurses Association for possible endorsements and continued dialogue. I reached out to Kelli Hykes of the Ohio Nurses Association and Carol Roe of Nurses for America. There was some initial conversation, but after an initial response from each, I was never contacted again, even after touching base repeatedly.
Each organization claims to represent the best interests of nurses. However, ONA and NFA chose to endorse Poindexter, a person who has never worked at the bedside, has never taken care of dying patients for 12 to 16 hours at a time, and does not understand what it is to be a nurse.
I have worked with ONA on a particular project in Cleveland. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, I cannot openly disclose it. However, the work aligns exactly with Poindexter and what he always claims in his ads. Not being able to have an interview or a chance for consideration points back to Laura’s original point in her post.
Nurses for America, which highlights nurses running in local elections around the nation, chose NOT to endorse the nurse. An individual aligned with the aforementioned organizations told me that they could not endorse me because it would make a particular group of people in the county very, very upset, those individuals being the Democratic Party.
For two organizations that claim to support nurses and grassroots efforts by nurses, they have done anything BUT. Revisiting Kamala’s remarks on civic-mindedness, ONA and NFA have both failed to inspire and create civic-mindedness when their decisions are dictated by others rather than by the members who are part of them.
My message to both: DO BETTER. There are nurses around the country who want to run for office and create change. Don’t silence their voices. Uplift them, regardless of political affiliation, write-in status, or third-party candidacy. We need to support each other, not bring each other down. To create civic-minded individuals, we need to inspire the grassroots efforts of everyday citizens.
My Experience With the Working Families Party
The Working Families Party claims to be a “progressive, grassroots political organization.” It was something I chose to believe in when I first started researching the organization. Laura had her own experience with them during the primaries, as she highlighted in her article, and months later, I would have my own.
I originally applied for an endorsement earlier in the year, which I did not get. No harm, no foul. There were bigger fish at play in the OH-7 race at the time. Then, months later, I received an email from them titled “Elections as Resistance.”
When I first started this race, I said to myself that even if I lost, I wanted to have built working relationships with people. So I decided to apply to their event, which was to be held in Columbus in late September.
I then received a call from the WFP. We talked about the race, issues with hyperpartisanship, my own story of why I ran, and where I see myself in the future. I also talked about OH-7 and Laura’s article with them. I told them it was upsetting to see what they had done to her, but that would not preclude me from wanting to build a relationship with WFP.
I believe it is important to forge relationships to bring about the change we want to see in the world. I was told I would receive an invitation to attend. A few days later, I received an email that said quite the opposite.
Going back to what they “stand for,” WFP chose not to engage with me despite my message echoing what they have stated. I was going against the grain, running for something I believe in, and having the courage to run and stand between Miller and Poindexter. This is exactly the sort of movement they claim to support. However, they chose not to have me around in Columbus for their event.
I told them I stand with and support Laura for all her years of service and her guts to run for office, and I would not be silent about what they did to her. I am greatly disappointed in them and hope that any candidates seeking their endorsement understand their ethics. For the WFP, it is politics as usual.
Trying to Be Heard Outside the Two Parties
I have reached out to numerous outlets in Ohio. Between radio stations, newspapers, podcasts, and Republican and Democratic county committees, I have sought opportunities to speak or showcase myself. I have received many “no” answers, no answers at all, and even responses discouraging me from running. These individuals are on various DNC committees in Ohio and in various political activist groups in Northeast Ohio.
It is amazing to see how our nation has become so invested in the two-party political system that if you run as a third-party candidate or have write-in status, you are immediately discounted. One is almost forced to run in either party’s primary to ensure exposure and proper resources. I, however, prefer my own voice.
All of this does not discourage me from running again. Rather, I see it as empowerment to break the chain that has been choking our nation. I want to represent the people rather than a political establishment or groups of political committees.
The Forums That Never Happened
The League of Women Voters does an excellent job giving a voice to all candidates, regardless of political party affiliation. They hold candidate forums where voters can come in, ask questions, and have those questions heard.
OH-7 was supposed to have one on a few occasions. Brian Poindexter canceled each time. Max Miller and another write-in candidate did not respond to the LWV’s requests. However, I did, each time. I was eager to have my voice heard and stand toe-to-toe with Poindexter. He, however, chose to cancel each time.
In interviews, Poindexter stated he would debate anyone at any time, which was probably directed at Miller. However, when I entered the mix, he chickened out.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid. I was. I accepted each invitation and was nervous beyond belief, but I would sit down and write notes after a grueling 12-hour shift at the hospital to prepare to answer voters’ questions. To me, this says Poindexter is politics as usual and just another candidate who mimics Democratic sound bites.
I knew I was going to lose the race to either Miller or Poindexter, and during the LWV forum, I was expecting to get a question on unions and workers’ rights. I have my thoughts on the subject, but I was planning to yield my time, turn and look at Poindexter, and have a heartfelt moment that would hopefully have transcended politics.
I am a nurse and, as such, have insight into healthcare and the healthcare system here in Greater Cleveland. Nurses are treated like an afterthought. Dare I say, dogshit.
Given his position on unions, I would have turned to him and let him know exactly how nurses are treated: threatened with being reported to the Board of Nursing, threatened with termination, and other things. I would have asked for his assistance, if he won, to help transform the healthcare landscape in Cleveland. Because if we can do it in Cleveland, it’ll set off a domino effect and change things across our great nation.
I would have told him not to forget my name, because together we could have done great things.
Because Poindexter chose not to attend the forum, we could not have that moment. Poindexter chose to hide instead of standing by his word and debating anyone at any time.
Public Service Requires Showing Up
We are seeing a dangerous trend of politicians and candidates refusing to debate. Debates are the bedrock of our nation and political system. Having our opinions challenged and placed in the spotlight creates opportunities for growth and for our voices to be heard.
It should not matter what a politician’s past is or whether you are nervous or unprepared. Going into public service means going through uncomfortable situations to get the desired outcome. One needs to have grit, determination, willpower, and, most importantly, courage to stand up for what one believes in. It is important that anyone entering politics understands they are a servant of the people. Forums and debates are catalysts for people to learn who they are putting in office.
Matt Diemer and Jake Underwood both gave me a voice. I was someone unknown and new to politics. I appreciate them both greatly for taking a chance on me and highlighting my views and ideas. This is why we need to continue to support local and independent journalism.
This certainly won’t be my last race. Lessons were learned, and I hope to continue the good fight. In the words of Kamala Harris at the end of her talk in Cleveland: We have to fight, and fight, and fight, because when we fight, we win.
Stay Angry.
The Angry Ohioan welcomes submissions from local writers and community members who want to contribute thoughtful commentary on our democracy, public policy, and issues affecting Northeast Ohio and beyond. Interested in writing for us? Contact us at admin@theangrydem.com.
Andrey, I agree with most everything you said. My comments were pointed to the two individuals who are the primary authors of this Substack. One has run for the district before and after some contentious primary coomentary said he would back the nominated candidate. The other is a person who ran against Poindexter. Their invitation for you to post this now is problematic and seems a bit manipulative. I know there are problems with the party and have spoken out about it. However, at this very important moment in our elections, the choices are obvious. Harm can be done in more than one way. I encourage you to continue to speak up and run. Encourage other young people. Learn about other groups that support change. But be mindful of the people you encounter, in all aspects. Take care.
Why now? Why not in previous years have you made these comments? Have you attempted to be a part of improving the party? I agree, changes are necessary. There is much that is not conducive to what we should seek for fair consideration. But now? You bemoan Poindexter when you know the opponent?! Please. Too late and harmful.