Ohio drag queen announces bid for Congress
An Ohio drag queen is hoping her next stage is in Washington, D.C.
Toledo performer Sugar Vermonte – or David Gedert – has registered as a Libertarian in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives.
You might remember Gedert in the national spotlight when he competed as a small business owner on Food Network. His mac-and-cheese food truck, Maybe Cheese Born With It, earned second place on The Great Food Truck Race.
“One small person in local government with a small amount of power can unilaterally decide to make a tiny business owner’s life a living hell,” Gedert wrote in a press release that announced his candidacy this week. “I’ve seen it happen to my friends, and I’ve had it tried on me. Luckily, I’m pretty hard to push around. But we shouldn’t have to fight the government that’s theoretically built to help us.”
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Gedert is running in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, spanning the Lake Erie shoreline with urban, suburban and rural voters. In October, the district’s lines were redrawn, which political analysts predict will favor Republicans.
The seat is currently held by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat who is expected to seek another term. Her platform centers on protecting American manufacturing and keeping jobs in the U.S. Republican candidates include former state Rep. Derek Merrin – whose platform focuses on lower taxes and limited government – and current state Rep. Josh Williams – whose platform focuses on public safety and conservative social policy.
Rep. Williams has supported legislation that would restrict certain drag shows in Ohio. Gedert has called the proposal an intrusion into personal expression. This could put drag at the center of the race.
“As an openly intersex drag queen, I know what it’s like to live outside their categories,” Gedert said, calling for an alternative to the two-party system. “It’s time we build a third way that puts people first.”
Party primaries will whittle down the race in May. As a third-party candidate, Gedert will advance directly to the general election if he meets ballot requirements.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
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