CINCINNATI — The U.S. Congressional race for District 1 is expected to be a tight one with incumbent Greg Landsman facing off against republican candidate Orlando Sonza. For Sonza, an Army veteran and father of four, he’s using his experience to connect with voters.

What You Need To Know

  • Orlando Sonza says he wanted to run for Congress to help solve some of the issues in the U.S.

  • Sonza has been busy on the campaign trail, attending events and door knocking

  • Sonza is also a dad of four young children

Orlando Sonza is putting in the steps to gain the votes to become the next congressman of District 1, running into friends along the way, and fellow supporters.

Orlando Sonza shakes hands with a supporter (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

Sonza, a graduate of West Point, also connecting with voters that way.

Getting out in the community is a way Sonza is trying to lead by example

“There's an adage in the Army called lead from the front," Sonza said. "You always want to be able to, you know, lead people and set the example.”

Sonza leaves literature behind at houses in a Cincinnati neighborhood (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

And share his ideas and background.

“I think a lot of people appreciate a personalization from candidates," he said. "'Why did you jump in? What are you looking to do?' For me, it's as a husband and father, a veteran. I just want to serve my country.”

And a father and husband, Sonza is. Getting his four kids ready for school is a team effort with his wife, Jessica.

Sonza helps put on his son's shoes before leaving for school (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

But it’s what keeps Sonza’s priorities straight.

“I've always made a commitment, no matter what I was doing, whether in military or CPA or a prosecutor or now running for office to always come home for dinner," Sonza said. "So it’s little things like that that keep me grounded.”

His car rides to school drop off reminds him of why he’s fighting for certain rights.

 
Sonza kisses his oldest daughter goodbye at school (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“When it comes to the abortion issue, it's very personal to me," Sonza said. "I mean, I'm a father of four young kids, right? Under the age of ten, and also, a dad who lost a fifth child in a miscarriage. So we've got a very personal story when it comes to just children. I believe the majority of Americans are not extreme on this issue, and I certainly am not.”

And why he wants to help his fellow Americans.

“Speaking as a father of kids, one that's trying to make sure that, our economy gets back on the right track in order to help families like ours, but all Americans as well," he said. "I think, number one, the issue that is at the forefront of a lot of Americans minds is the state of our economy.”