Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald announces intent to run for governor against John Kasich

CLEVELAND - "Today, I’m announcing the formation of an exploratory committee to run for governor,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald in a video released on his website. "But more than that, I’m beginning a conversation with you, the people of Ohio.”

FitzGerald highlighted his lifelong commitment to public service and touted his credentials as an FBI special agent, an assistant county prosecutor, the mayor of Lakewood and his current role as Cuyahoga County’s first county executive.

"When I started my career, I took an oath to serve the public – to put you first. As a special agent with the FBI, I helped put crime bosses and corrupt politicians behind bars,” said FitzGerald. "Now as county executive, I dismantled a corrupt political patronage machine that was choking my county and holding us back."

FitzGerald said many people have the same concerns and questions he does about the direction of the state.

"I believe Ohio has been let down by its leaders, especially a political establishment in state government who stopped listening to the people. They’re more interested in scoring partisan points or taking care of the insiders than focusing on what’s best for the middle class."

FitzGerald criticized Kasich's administration record of gutting funding to communities and plans to raise taxes on middle class families.

“Do we really have to settle for a state government that robs our communities, forcing cuts to police, firefighters and teachers? Or is something better possible? Do we really have to settle for a Governor who wants new taxes on everyday Ohioans while giving big tax breaks for those at the top? Or is something better possible? I think something better is possible."

FitzGerald said Ohio "belongs to all of us, not just political contributors or big corporations." He thinks everyone has a role to play in shaping the state's future.