Lyndsey Stough

Independent for Ohio House District 44

A viable vote for building a better district.

I'm In

Candidacy Announcement Press Release

Lyndsey Stough, Independent candidate for Ohio House District 44

Fed up with politics?

I see you.

Feeling stretched thin, worried about the future, and frustrated by the government that is supposed to represent you? Same here. The typical all-or-nothing party approach (where you're expected to agree 100% or be the enemy) is driving good people apart.

I believe Sylvania, the 44th District, and Northwest Ohio need an independent voice for real progress in Columbus. As a third-generation architect and Sylvania City Council member, I’ve spent my life building our community, not a political career.

I have seen incredible results when political game-playing and ego are set aside to find solutions, and I want to do the same at the statehouse. The two parties are stuck grasping for power while major issues affecting families go unaddressed and get worse.

As an independent who answers directly to the district, I can help break the stalemate and get things done. I am a candidate to give District 44 an independent voice for better government in Ohio, through practical solutions rather than partisan gridlock.

Lyndsey Stough, Independent candidate for Ohio House District 44

I Believe:

  • We are more alike than we are different, and we can achieve results on common ground.

  • Political power grabs, partisan gridlock, and big money are undermining District 44’s best interests.

  • People are stretched thin and need the cost of essentials like groceries, healthcare, and utilities to be lower.

  • Keeping Ohio a good place for business, creating new jobs, and growing Ohio’s economy benefits us all.

  • Public education is valuable and important, and needs to be properly funded.

  • A direct highway from Northwest Ohio to Columbus unlocks economic opportunities.

  • We need to work hard to return tax dollars to the 44th District for local government capital improvement projects.

  • Follow “Live and Let Live” rather than letting culture wars distract us from addressing shared issues.

  • The Local Government Fund needs to be restored and tax dollars shared.

  • Reduce government spending and uphold fiscal responsibility for long-term quality of life.

Let's Talk

Why Independent?

Neither party felt right for me, so I found other ways to serve my community. Now that work has opened a path to serve at a higher level.

A Gallup poll released in January shows a record high of 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025. Independents outnumbered the 27% of Democrat and 27% of Republican responses.

Ohio voters haven't had an independent representative in the General Assembly in generations. We are currently seeing the results from having only two parties in charge of our government. As an Independent, I answer directly to District 44. Not party bosses, not special interest donors, not lobbyists. Just the people I represent.

The system is not set up for independents, and the parties are keen to keep a tight grip. For example, Independents face a high signature threshold to get on the ballot; we needed 248 signatures, almost five times the minimum for party candidates. Luckily, the readiness for an independent candidate is also high, and we collected 316 certified signatures in less than a month.

The time to have an Independent voice is now for Sylvania, District 44, and Northwest Ohio.

  1. Open seat, no incumbent.

  2. Growing dissatisfaction with both parties.

  3. Polling suggests 29% of voters in District 44 align as independents.

  4. Recognizable name and a respected record.

  5. Lifelong resident in the largest voter area of the 44th District (~50% of voters).

  6. Only candidate from Sylvania.

  7. Different than the “same old, same old”.

  8. True independent - never active in either party.

  9. Independents become key players in the legislature if Republicans lose supermajority.

  10. Successful record on Sylvania City Council working with members of both parties.

  11. An architect designs solutions. That's what I'll do in Columbus.

Path for Success

Why Lyndsey?

  • Third-generation licensed architect at Stough & Stough Architects, a family firm and small business since 1984.

    5 years of experience designing and managing complex projects by balancing competing needs, tight budgets, and hard deadlines. Delivers results that serve communities for decades.

    Projects include:

    • Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center at Lourdes University

    • Veterans Hall at Owens Community College

    • TARTA Downtown Hub

    • Community Center for The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (under construction now)

  • Sylvania City Council, in second term (2020 - current)

    • Chair of the Buildings & Grounds Committee, as well as the Parks, Safety, and Zoning committees

    • Council representative on the Heritage Sylvania Board, caretakers of the Historical Village, Lathrop House, Cooke-Kulman House, Sylvania Archives, and the 1915 Toledo & Western Train Engine

    Previous Involvement:

    • AIA Toledo Chapter, treasurer

    • Toledo SOUP, director

    • EPIC Toledo, advisory board, developed the mentorship program

    • Sylvania Arts, Maple & Main Festival planning committee

    • Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, member and welcoming committee

    • Sylvania Tree Commission

    • Junior League of Toledo

    • Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan

    • Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ohio State University

    • Southview High School Cougar and McCord Junior High School Tartan

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I’m Listening

As an architect, I've learned that the best results come from understanding what people actually need before drawing up plans. I also have a healthy respect for the insights offered by experts. I welcome input and am always looking for weaknesses in my approach and logic. Please share what is on your mind and what your hopes are for District 44.

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