David Donofrio

All 6 of our counties have finalized vote totals. Our final count for State Board of Education was 99,327. Thank you to each and every one of you. What an incredibly humbling number I will always remember. ❤️

Democracy is a great experiment. It is often messy, complicated, steps forward, steps back. But God willing, it will endure. I acknowledge at the start of this statement that there are national implications far outweighing anything I will say, and yet, I do want to take a moment to say on behalf of our race: thank you.

We started this effort all the way back in 2022, when LGBTQ+ kids were being attacked in resolutions at the State Board of Education. I sat beside the Executive Director at the time of Honesty for Ohio Education, who said to me, "if there was ever a time to run for State Board, it is right now."

Through this campaign we knocked well over 10,000+ doors, not counting our friends in political parties and labor. We secured endorsements from dozens of leaders, parties, unions, and organizations representing the things I truly believe in. We mailed tens of thousands of cards. We held events, we built community, we encouraged one another, and we kept it positive amid forces who were scared of electing someone like me to the State Board.

In the end, we earned nearly 100,000 votes. We won Fairfield County. We nearly won a few more. In my beloved lifelong home of Franklin County, the people who know me supported me: Prairie Township, Grove City, the Short North, Downtown, German Village, Old Town East, Bexley, Westerville, and other precincts all throughout the county. If gerrymandering wasn't a thing, we would have done even better. We still need to fix that, Ohio.

THANK YOU. Thanks to every person who volunteered, donated, got involved, or voted. I am sharing some pictures of those who represented my village in this effort, and I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. I have no regrets that we did everything we could, spent every penny we raised, and left it absolutely all on the field. I truly wish Cathye Flory success on the State Board, and I hope Chris Orban will continue speaking out at the Statehouse.

Let me turn back as I close to where I began. To every child in every ZIP Code, no matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve the same toolbox to build your dreams. Our world owes you nothing less than that. Especially to those in my beloved LGBTQ+ community - you belong and are worthy. I won't ever stop fighting to leave us a better world - and I hope you'll continue to join me.

With love and appreciation, yours in service,

David Donofrio

Today is the big day! Polls are open 6:30am-7:30pm!As you decide who to choose for State Board of Education, scroll through our recent posts about me, my experience and my values. Check out my website and my supporters at www.davidforkids.com. You will not find another candidate with a bigger heart for the service to our children, and the experience and track record to back that up. It would be my honor to serve you and your family - today, I ask for your vote. Sincerely, David (PS - send us a message if you would like a ride to the polls, and myself or a member of our team would be honored to drive you!)

Feeling proud, grateful, and excited. Just over 24 hours to go. I’d be honored to have your support tomorrow, Ohio! Please this post with my website, and let’s make history together for our children’s futures! We got this! 💪🍎🌈

David Donofrio - A Fighter for Kids and Ohio Education David Donofrio is a lifelong resident of central Ohio. An experienced and award-winning local Board of Education Member. An involved member of our community, and a principled fighter for Ohio students and high quality education.

As you prepare to vote tomorrow, know one thing - David is the candidate for KIDS. His yardstick for decision-making is very simple and fundamental - is this what is best for kids? Let's eliminate the things like culture wars that divide us and refocus on providing academic excellence for every single child.

My village came to help get out the vote today!! ❤️🙏🗳️

Ohio's kids deserve one thing: the BEST. No excuses and no compromises. David Donofrio will work hard to ensure that every child, no matter who they are or where they come from, is given the same, high-quality toolbox with which to build their dreams - and he won't settle for less.

David's vision for our kids, teachers and Ohio education in general is one where everyone belongs and feels represented, no matter who they are or where they come from. This means equipping teachers, staff and students with equitable pay, equitable buildings, equitable resources, and equitable educational experiences. This is one of the main drivers of David's desire to serve.

To know David is to know his family. His mother and shero is a family law attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. His father is a veteran and veterinarian, who retired early to care for David when he was born. His husband of over 6 years is a dedicated public servant in Franklin County. David's heart for giving back is baked into his DNA - and represents his values.

Listen to Batman! 🙌🏻🦇

David (S. Pumpkins) wishes you and your family a safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃