By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
Ohio State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson’s campaign kick-off brunch was held on the national day for love, February 14, 2026, as about 70 friends and supporters joined the state senator at the Indiana Ave. Missionary Baptist Church led by Rev. William C. Foster Sr.
Numerous elected officials were in the audience on Saturday to show their support for Hicks-Hudson, including Lisa Sobecki, president of the Board of Lucas County Commissioners. Sobecki served alongside Hicks-Hudson in the Ohio House of Representatives for several years before both elected officials moved to other positions. “She doesn’t give up,” said Sobecki of her colleague. “She is working hard to serve the people of her district, to serve the people of the state of Ohio.”
The fundraiser was moderated by Valerie Walston, ThD, who introduced the guest that stated the purpose of their support charging the room to do the same. “Stand with her unwavering belief that community strives when we work together” stated Pastor James Willis of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church “we need to not just affirm her, but affirm her values” he continued, sharing his witness to the community advancement led by Paula Hicks-Hudson.
As the first black female mayor of Toledo, state Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson has long had a commitment to her work in improving the quality of life or those in her community. During her mayoral term, her work with Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and Regional Growth Partnership of Northwest Ohio resulted in over $3 billion dollars invested in Toledo and more than 3800 new jobs. She is reassuring voters this campaign that the focus of investment into the community’s economic foundation is essential. Walston introduced several clergy, elected officials, and labor leaders to share their insight on the Senator’s proven ability to address the needs of the community.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur gave the final charge to the audience before the Senator’s address. She urged the audience to share with the initiative knowledge of their government officials as a trusted source of information.
“The amount of corruption is staggering,” stated Congresswoman Kaptur. “I’m often asked ‘what are we going to do?’ I’m going to the people,” continued Kaptur nudging elected officials to make contact with all their communities rather than concentrating on voting activity reports. Following the Congresswoman, Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson’s grandchildren introduced her for final words.
“My goal is to be that voice in Columbus” stated Hicks-Hudson, “Did you know for the last two elections the people in this area could not vote for their senator in congress?. 33,000 voters had been flipped in and out of District 11 at the whim of the Republican party,” informed the Senator giving further context to the campaign kick-off.
“If the vote didn’t matter, why do this to cut it off? … It’s not voter integrity, it’s not voter security.. It’s about suppressing your votes,” said Hicks-Hudson in preparation to mobilize voting in the primary election on May 5.
Valerie Walston concluded the fundraiser with final words for Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson’s path ahead this election season.