Lexington grad Cockley wins Democratic primary for 6th District, looks toward November
COLUMBUS — Christine Cockley isn't satisfied.
Cockley, 28, topped a field of six other candidates to secure the Democratic nomination for Ohio's 6th District in Tuesday's primary. She will face Republican Michael Rulli in the November general election.
Cockley collected 31.8% of the votes, an impressive total considering there were seven people in the field. Her closest challenger received 18.3% of the ballots cast.
Rulli also posted an impressive victory, garnering 49.1% of the votes in a three-person field. The 6th District covers part of Franklin County on the west side of Columbus.
A 2014 graduate of Lexington High School, Cockley sent out a message to her supporters.
"We did it, team," she wrote. "We met with neighbors and canvassed the district, and our community selected me as the Democratic nomination for Ohio House District 6. But the work doesn't stop here."
Cockley referenced the work ahead.
"If we want an Ohio that is more fair, just and free, we need to win in November," she wrote. "Not just in House District 6 but in every competitive district across Ohio.
"We need to pass a fair redistricting ballot initiative. We need to vote to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. We need to ensure that reproductive rights stay protected in Ohio."
Cockley's parents are lawyers
Cockley's parents are local lawyer Mark Cockley and Heather Cockley, former domestic relations judge for Richland County and current Mansfield assistant law director.
Christine Cockley says she is committed to public service. She graduated from Ohio State in 2018, majoring in public affairs with a specialization in nonprofits. She also holds a master's degree in public administration from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
Cockley works as an executive assistant to the president and CEO at a Columbus-area YWCA.
Her mother, who was the first female judge in the history of Richland County, did not have to provide any guidance on running a campaign.
"I haven't given her as much advice as she's been through it with me," Heather Cockley said.
Her daughter's campaign received a major boost when she recently appeared on MSNBC's "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell."
Cockley appeared alongside David Hogg, who rose to prominence during the 2018 U.S. gun violence protests as a student survivor of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, helping lead several high-profile protests, marches and boycotts.
Hogg co-founded a group called Leaders We Deserve, a grassroots organization dedicated to electing young progressives to Congress and state legislatures across the country. Cockley is one of about 30 such candidates he supports.
The segment on "The Last Word" was dedicated to young candidates and why they are running for office.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
X: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington High School grad Cockley wins primary, seeks Statehouse seat
