EMILYs List Expands Ohio Electoral Push with Endorsements of Knickerbocker, Brunner, Zayas, and Russo

March 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, is endorsing a slate of bold women in Ohio — Kristina Knickerbocker for Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, Justice Jennifer Brunner and Judge Marilyn Zayas for Ohio state Supreme Court, and state Rep. Allison Russo for Ohio secretary of state.

“With strong women leaders running up and down the ballot in Ohio, Democrats have a real opportunity in 2026 to flip key races and expand their impact. Rep. Allison Russo, Justice Jennifer Brunner, Judge Marilyn Zayas, and Kristina Knickerbocker are bold leaders with proven records of service, putting these contests squarely in play and inspiring voters across the state,” said EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler. 

Rep. Allison Russo is the former Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives, the first Democrat in a decade to flip a central-Ohio seat, and one of the state’s leading voices on health care access, protecting worker’s rights, and election integrity. Allison is now running for Ohio secretary of state to secure elections, modernize business services, and serve all Ohioans with integrity and transparency.

Justice Jennifer Brunner has spent her career working to strengthen Ohio’s justice system and expand fairness for all. One of the few jurists to serve at all three levels of the state’s judiciary, she was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2020 after building a strong record of leadership and integrity. With a proven ability to win tough races, Justice Brunner brings experience, independence, and a deep commitment to justice to the bench.

Judge Marilyn Zayas has served nearly nine years on Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals, earning widespread respect for her ethical decision-making and commitment to fair, impartial justice that prioritizes the law over politics. She’s running to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court because she believes it should be a beacon of integrity and accountability, free from outside influence. 

Kristina Knickerbocker is a U.S. Air Force veteran, oncology nurse practitioner, and mom of two who has dedicated her life to serving our country and her community. Kristina is running in Ohio’s 10th Congressional district, where her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing her community and record of service put this race in play.

Additionally, EMILYs List has endorsed Amy Acton for governor and Emilia Sykes in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

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