COLUMBUS, Ohio - She's not new to Washington or Columbus, and she's the newest candidate for US Senate from Ohio.

 

"Everything is on the line, we're seeing ongoing threats to our democracy, climate change is becoming a more imminent threat...and the economic system is not working for most of us," says Morgan Harper of Columbus. 

 

Harper worked for the Obama administration as a consumer protection lawyer before turning her focus to community organizing.

It's that combination of logistical and advocacy experience that Harper says will set her apart.

 

"It doesn't just happen because of political insider games, it happens because you reach people with a message that motivates them to support," Harper said. "I'm committed to not taking any corporate PAC money. I want to be free to deliver real change for our communities."

 

Harper is the only other Democrat in the race.

Valley Congressman Tim Ryan faces not only stiff competition from his Republican opponents but a daunting financial position.

Jane Timken and Mike Gibbons are both ahead of him in fundraising, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that debt is hobbling his ability to catch up.

Harper's presence in the race could also favor the Republican frontrunners - challenging Ryan from the left and potentially splitting the Democratic vote.

 

"We as a party need to recognize that the playbook we've been running isn't working, we're not winning," said Harper. "So we need a new game plan."

 

Harper officially launches her campaign in Columbus with a rally Saturday.

You can hear more from her on the 21 News app in our podcast section.

We reached out to Ryan's campaign but he was unavailable by the time our story aired, but later said  Ryan has outraised all his opponents except for Gibbons; the data we compiled is from the Federal Elections Commission. 

 

She also says the report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer reflects his personal finances, not campaign finances. 

 

In addition, Republican candidate JD Vance has not yet disclosed his campaign fundraising figures, as he's not required to until next month.