By Luca Filigenzi, Local News Editor

Last Tuesday, U.S Congressman Greg Landsman defeated challenger Orlando Sonza in the race to represent Ohio’s 1st Congressional District. Landsman, who will begin his second term in the U.S House of Representatives in January, won the election with 54.4% of the votes. The 1st Congressional District includes all of nearby Warren County, as well as parts of Hamilton County, including Xavier’s campus and the surrounding area. 

While on the campaign trail, Landsman emphasized his bipartisan nature, and his capability of working across the aisle to solve problems regarding healthcare and education. His past experience includes being a Cincinnati City Council Member from 2018-2022. 

Sonza, a veteran of the U.S Army, campaigned on issues he believed threatened America, such as foreign policy and illegal immigration. His experience includes being the executive director for Hamilton County’s veterans service commission.

This election saw record fundraising from both sides, with the candidates collectively raising over 2.7, $2.1 million for Landsman and $600,000 for Sonza. 

The election was ultimately determined by 370,000 voters from Hamilton and Warren county. In the evening of Nov 5, the race was called for Landsman. 

This is a larger win margin for Landsman than,in 2022, when he faced long time Republican incumbent Steve Chabot. In that race, Landsman emerged victorious with just 52.8% of the vote. 

Sonza won many votes in Warren County, while Landsman had more votes from Hamilton County, particularly in the urban Greater Cincinnati area. 

` Xavier students worked on both campaigns, with both College Democrats, and College Republicans lending support to their respective candidates. 

“I am ecstatic that voters of Ohio’s 1st congressional district voted to re-elect Representative Greg Landsman.” president of College Democrats and Philosophy, Politics and the Public (PPP) major Gavin Steele said.  

 Steele said. “Landsman has established himself as a bipartisan leader willing to get work done.” 

Sophomore PPP major and member of College Republicans Josiah Neuman, said. “It was unfortunate to see the results, but I believe in the future of this district.” 

The House of Representatives remains undecided, with Republicans predicted to take control of it once the votes are all counted. 

Landsman is expected to be sworn in January, 2025. He will be the first Democrat to be reelected in Ohio’s 1st Congressional District since 1984. 

 “We will get things done for SouthWest Ohio.” Landsman said in his victory speech.

On the night of the election, Sonza had called Landsman to express his congratulations, but remained optimistic about his political future, “I stand proud with this team.” Sonza said in his concession speech.