Martin Heberling, a veteran public school teacher and labor leader, officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Ohio’s 5th Congressional District. Bringing over a decade of combined experience in the classroom, city government, and labor advocacy, Heberling aims to “flip” the 5th District by focusing on the “economic dignity” of Ohio’s working class.
“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,” Heberling said. “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. The first pillar is healthcare for all. Heberling aims to ensure that no Ohioan is left behind by the rising costs of care and the 2026 “subsidy cliff.” The second pillar is strong public education. Heberling will advocate for robust federal funding to protect local schools from budget cuts and property tax volatility. The third pillar is economic dignity. Heberling supports 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 an advocate for fair wages and worker protections. Heberling 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 said. “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 tour the district’s counties over the coming months to meet with local Democratic organizations and community leaders.
Heberling lives in Amherst with his wife and son. For more information, visit www.heberlingforohio.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HeberlingOH/, on X at https://x.com/HeberlingOH, or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heberlingoh/.
