Ohio's new State Auditor, Frank LaRose, has called for the Republican Party to refocus its message on core principles of human freedom and free markets, suggesting that a lack of constructive appeal contributed to the party's struggles in the recent midterm elections.
LaRose, who secured over 2.3 million votes in his race, the highest for any statewide Republican candidate, stated that the party needs to articulate what it stands for, rather than solely what it opposes. "We need to get back to talking about what we're for," LaRose told Fox News Digital. "We're the party that stands for human freedom, that idea that we're endowed by our Creator with rights, those don't come from government."
He emphasized traditional conservative tenets such as protecting human freedom and free market principles that allow individuals to prosper through hard work. These, he noted, were the issues that initially drew him to the Republican Party.
LaRose pointed to the passage of Ohio Issue 3, a ballot measure requiring voter identification, as evidence that Republican policies remain popular even when candidates falter in their messaging. The measure passed with over 65% of the vote, indicating support for common-sense measures even among voters who may not identify as Republican.
"Candidly, I wish more conservatives had showed up to vote yesterday, and I think the outcome might have come out a little different," LaRose said, referencing the broader election results. He suggested that while coastal Democrats may represent a more progressive wing, many Democrats in Ohio are "common sense people" who support measures like voter ID.
LaRose also warned that elected Democrats in Ohio should govern with practicality, cautioning against adopting policies associated with coastal Democrats. "Govern like a Midwestern Democrat and maybe you'll be all right, but if you govern like a coastal Democrat, then I think your time in office is going to be short," he stated.
Reflecting on Election Day, LaRose noted that it became apparent by the time about 60% of the vote was tallied that Republicans were not performing as well as anticipated. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude to Ohio's election workers for their professionalism. Having served as Ohio's elections chief for eight years, LaRose stated his new role as State Auditor will enable him to hold state politicians accountable for their financial decisions.