Ohio House Democrats Call on Governor DeWine to Bring Ohio's National Guard Home, Invest in Ohio

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Assistant Minority Whip Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) today released to following statement concerning Governor Mike DeWine’s decision to send 150 National Guard members to support the District of Columbia National Guard:

“Ohio’s National Guard belongs here at home, serving Ohioans when disaster strikes, not being sent to Washington for partisan political theater. In Dayton and across our state, families are counting on leadership that prioritizes safe schools, strong infrastructure, and healthy communities. At a time when resources are stretched thin, taking our Guard members away from Ohio puts politics before people — and that is unacceptable.

Our communities deserve leaders who will invest in our future, protect our families, and respond to real emergencies here at home. Dayton families work hard every day, and they deserve to know that their government is working just as hard to keep them safe. It’s time to bring our Guard home and invest in Ohio’s people, not political stunts.

The men and women of the National Guard are not just soldiers — they are neighbors, parents, and local heroes who answer the call when floods, storms, or emergencies threaten our communities. Sending them away for political theater undermines the safety and security of Ohio families. Our state’s priorities should reflect real needs: safe schools, reliable infrastructure, robust emergency response, and programs that strengthen communities.

Leadership is about protecting people, not optics. Ohioans deserve a government that supports those who serve and safeguards the communities they protect. I will continue to fight for practical, people-first policies that keep our families safe, our communities strong, and our resources focused on Ohio — not politics.”