Brian Shaver

D

Won the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary with 28.7% in a four-way race

Shaver is a teacher from Fostoria, Ohio running as the Democratic nominee, on a platform covering affordability, agriculture, healthcare, and constitutional checks on executive power.[3]

Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.

Positions on the issues

  • SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations

    Says the wealthiest Americans should pay the same tax rate as everyone else, closing loopholes that let income be hidden.[3]

    “I think the wealthiest Americans should pay the same tax rate as everyone else, without loopholes that let income be hidden.”
  • OpposesBroad tariffs on imported goods

    Criticizes broad tariffs, saying they have hurt farmers and driven up costs.[3]

    “Reckless policies, like sweeping tariffs and abrupt cuts to foreign aid, have shaken the financial stability of growers who rely on global markets.”
  • SupportsExpand public health coverage

    Says healthcare is a fundamental right and calls for a systemic overhaul to reduce costs.[3]

    “I see healthcare as a fundamental right, and no one should have to choose between treatment and paying their bills.”
  • SupportsProtect legal access to abortion

    Says healthcare decisions should be made between a patient and physician and that he has 'no desire to tell a woman what to do with her body.'[3]

    “I have no desire to tell a woman what to do with her body, nor do I believe it is my or the government's place to police access to gender-affirming care.”
  • MixedStricter gun laws

    Says he supports the Second Amendment and respects gun ownership, but favors background checks, safe-storage expectations, and 'reasonable limits.'[3]

    “We can protect constitutional rights while still putting common-sense safeguards in place to keep guns out of the wrong hands.”
  • OpposesExpand immigration enforcement and deportations

    Criticizes 'mass detentions, deportations without hearings, or militarized actions against people based on appearance' as violating constitutional due-process principles.[3]

    “Practices like mass detentions, deportations without hearings, or militarized actions against people based on appearance violate those principles.”

In their words — priorities

  • Campaign website says the wealthiest Americans 'should pay the same tax rate as everyone else, without loopholes that let income be hidden,' citing rising costs of housing, food, and medication.[3]
  • Campaign website criticizes 'sweeping tariffs and abrupt cuts to foreign aid' for hurting farmers who rely on global markets, and calls for congressional checks on executive tariff and trade actions.[3]
  • Campaign website says healthcare is 'a fundamental right' and calls for an overhaul of a system he says prioritizes corporate profit over patients.[3]

Background

  • Born in Fostoria, Ohio; career experience includes working as a teacher.[3]

Campaign money

Raised $12K · spent $7,258 · $8,742 cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗

Also on the ballot for this seat: Bob Latta, Michael Veloff · Compare side by side

Sources cited in this profile

  1. 3.Brian Shaver · Ballotpedia (candidate campaign website, as quoted) · 2026-05-01 Candidate's own words