TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio — Ohio House District 51 includes Tuscarawas County and part of southern Stark County, and it’s one of the key Republican primary races Spectrum News identified as potentially impacting which faction of the party will control the Ohio House of Representatives during the next legislative session.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio House District 51 includes Tuscarawas County and part of southern Stark County

  • The Republican primary is between incumbent State Rep. Brett Hillyer, R-Ulrichsville, who’s running for his fourth and final term in the state House, and political newcomer Jodi Salvo

  • Ohio's primary election day is March 19

It’s a face-off between incumbent State Rep. Brett Hillyer, R-Ulrichsville, who is running for his fourth and final term in the state House, and political newcomer Jodi Salvo.

Both candidates said they’re champions of conservative values and said they’d fight for reducing government and supporting issues that impact the community.

"I think we need to continue to adhere to our small government values and our principles," Hillyer said. "You know, I don't know if you looked. I have one of the highest rater ratings for limited government in the General Assembly. I think it was in 85 or 86%. You know, you can still be an advocate for limited government and still be respectful of other people."

"How does the average person afford groceries to do life?" Salvo asked. "So a lot of the areas that I will be very committed to is decreasing taxes, encouraging business without overregulation, just so that we can, you know, create the economic benefit needed to take care of our community. “

Hillyer helped elect current Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens last January. Salvo said the people in their district want someone more conservative in charge of the House.