“I see the challenges facing our community every single day - not from a boardroom in D.C., but from the front of a classroom in the Lorain City Schools,” said Heberling. “Our neighbors are tired of choosing between their prescriptions and their groceries. They’re tired of seeing their public schools underfunded while corporate interests are prioritized. I’m running to be the voice that finally puts Ohio workers first.”

Heberling’s platform centers on three primary pillars:

• Healthcare for All: Ensuring that no Ohioan is left behind by the rising costs of care and the 2026 "subsidy cliff."

• Strong Public Education: Fighting for robust federal funding to protect local schools from budget cuts and property tax volatility.

• Economic Dignity: Advocating for the creation of high-paying, full-time union jobs that provide a stable future for Ohio families.

A lifelong public servant, Heberling served seven years as an Amherst City Councilman at Large and has spent over five years on the Lorain County Children Services Board. As the current Treasurer for the Lorain County AFL-CIO, he has been a tireless advocate for fair wages and worker protections. He is also the founder of the Lorain County Youth Brigade, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders.

“The 5th District is a diverse mix of industrial hubs and hardworking rural communities,” Heberling added. “Whether you’re on a shop floor, in a classroom or in a cornfield, you deserve a representative who understands the value of a hard day’s work.”

Heberling will be touring the district’s counties over the coming months to meet with local Democratic organizations and community leaders.