Someone Who Gets It and
Gets Things Done
I’m not running for office because I’ve always wanted to be a politician. I’m running because for decades, I’ve been in rooms where small business owners and families had to beg to be heard. I’ve watched policies get debated by people who’ve never had to make the tradeoffs the rest of us make every day. I know what it’s like to worry about healthcare, to support a family, to care for aging parents, and to build something without a safety net. That’s why I’m running.
Not to talk at people, but to listen, to tell the truth about what’s working and what isn’t, and to fight for solutions that actually help families and small businesses move forward.
This campaign is about bringing clarity, common sense, and lived experience to the State House, so the people making decisions finally understand what those decisions mean at the kitchen table.
Someone Who Gets It and Gets Things Done
I’m not running for office because I’ve always wanted to be a politician. I’m running because for decades, I’ve been in rooms where small business owners and families had to beg to be heard. I’ve watched policies get debated by people who’ve never had to make the tradeoffs the rest of us make every day. I know what it’s like to worry about healthcare, to support a family, to care for aging parents, and to build something without a safety net. That’s why I’m running.
Not to talk at people, but to listen, to tell the truth about what’s working and what isn’t, and to fight for solutions that actually help families and small businesses move forward.
This campaign is about bringing clarity, common sense, and lived experience to the State House, so the people making decisions finally understand what those decisions mean at the kitchen table.
I Listen First
Real leadership starts with listening. I spend time in the community, talking with residents, small business owners, parents, and caregivers to understand what’s actually happening, not just what looks good on paper.
I Solve Real Problems
I’m a systems thinker and a problem solver by trade. That means looking past talking points and focusing on practical solutions that make life more affordable, more predictable, and more fair for the people who live and work here.
I Show Up & Do the Work
I believe in follow-through. When I commit to something, I see it through, with transparency, accountability, and respect for the people who trusted me to represent them.
It's Nice To Meet You
Meet Cheryl Perez
I’m not a career politician. I’m a mom, a daughter, a small business owner, and a caregiver — and I’m someone who has spent years advocating for everyday people and small businesses to be heard by those in power.
I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, where I saw firsthand what happens when jobs disappear and opportunity dries up. I went on to build a career working alongside entrepreneurs, families, and community leaders — helping them navigate real challenges like rising costs, access to healthcare, workforce issues, and economic uncertainty.
I’ve lived these issues personally. I’m a cancer survivor. I’ve undergone brain surgery. I’ve had to make hard decisions about healthcare coverage, staffing, and financial security as a small business owner. I’m also the primary caregiver for my aging mother, and I understand what it means to try to keep a loved one safe, healthy, and at home. All of that shapes how I show up.
I lead with clarity, honesty, and respect. I listen before I speak. I ask hard questions. And when I commit to something, I follow through. I believe good policy starts with understanding real life, not theory, and that leadership should feel grounded, human, and accountable.
A few things that define me:
Mom of six and proud caregiver
Small business owner and problem solver
Community advocate and systems thinker
Straight-talker who values integrity over politics
Cheryl with her husband Rico, six children and grandson
Cheryl with her husband Rico
Cheryl with her 3 sons.
Cheryl with her 3 daughters.
The issues I'm working on, grounded in real life!
What I'm Focused On
Affordability & Cost of Living
Too many families and small business owners are being squeezed from every direction... healthcare, housing, utilities, property taxes, and everyday expenses that keep climbing without explanation or predictability. I’m focused on policies that bring fairness, transparency, and predictability to costs, so people can plan, build, and take care of their families without constant financial whiplash.
Healthcare Access & Stability
Healthcare shouldn’t feel fragile or out of reach, especially for people who are self-employed, running small businesses, or caring for aging parents. As someone who has navigated serious health challenges and rising insurance costs firsthand, I’m focused on protecting access, expanding options, and making sure healthcare works for real people, not just large systems..
Education That Leads Somewhere
Education should prepare students for real life, real work, and real opportunity — not leave them with debt and limited options. I’m focused on strengthening K–12 education, improving affordability after high school, and expanding clear pathways to careers. That means aligning education outcomes with workforce needs, investing in career and technical education, and supporting educators with the resources they need to succeed.
Small Business & Workforce Reality
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, yet policy is often written as if everyone works for a large corporation.
I’m focused on making sure small businesses have a real voice, when it comes to healthcare costs, workforce development, skills training, and the ability to grow without being buried by rules that don’t reflect how they actually operate.
How I Approach The Work
What guides my decisions once I'm in the room
Good leadership isn’t about having the best soundbite. It’s about how decisions get made when the tradeoffs are real and the pressure is high. I approach this work the same way I’ve approached every role I’ve held, by asking the right questions, understanding the system, and being clear about who carries the cost of every decision.
-I don’t believe in rushing decisions for optics.
-I don’t believe in complexity for its own sake.
And I don’t believe in policies that look good on paper but fail people in practice.
Here’s how I operate:
1. I slow decisions down long enough to get them right
2. I look at second- and third-order impacts, not just headlines
3. I weigh real-world consequences, not political convenience
That’s how trust is built. And that’s how better outcomes happen.
These numbers tell a clear story. Ohioans are working hard, but the system isn’t working for them. Wages aren’t keeping up. Healthcare is out of reach for too many families. Education and training are required, but not always accessible or affordable. And small businesses are carrying the weight without enough support.
82%
Ohio Jobs Below a Living Wage
Too many Ohioans work full-time and still struggle to cover basic costs like housing, food, and healthcare.
8%
Without Health Insurance
Hundreds of thousands of Ohioans lack affordable access to healthcare, forcing families to choose between care and cost.
2.2M
Small Business Workers
Small businesses power nearly half of Ohio’s workforce, yet they face rising costs and limited support.
65%
Jobs Needing Post-HS Training
Most Ohio jobs now require training or credentials beyond high school, but the pathways aren’t clear or affordable enough.
I’m running because we can do better. With smarter policy, practical solutions, and leaders who actually understand how these systems affect real lives, Ohio can be a place where work leads to stability, education leads to opportunity, and families can plan for the future with confidence.
FAQS
Why are you running for Ohio House?
I’m running because I’ve spent years on the outside of the system — showing up, advocating, and asking lawmakers to understand how policy actually affects real people. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted those voices to be heard consistently, I needed to be in the room myself.
I’m not running to be a politician. I’m running to be a problem-solver who understands how decisions around cost, healthcare, education, and work land in real life — because I’ve lived it.
What issues are you focused on?
My focus is on the things that shape everyday life in Ohio:
1. Affordability and cost of living - so work actually leads to stability
2. Healthcare access - so families aren’t choosing between care and cost
3. Education and workforce pathways - so people have real, affordable options after high school
4. Supporting small businesses and workers - because they power our communities
These issues are connected. I approach them with clarity, practicality, and an understanding of how systems work together.
Are you a career politician?
No. And that’s intentional.
I’m a small business owner, a mom, and a caregiver who has spent years working inside complex systems, not talking about them from the outside. I know how to ask the right questions, follow the details, and push for solutions that actually work. I believe public service should be grounded in real experience, not political theater.
How will you work with people who don’t agree with you?
Respectfully and honestly.
I don’t believe disagreement has to mean dysfunction. I listen carefully, look for common ground, and stay focused on outcomes, not winning arguments. People can come from different perspectives and still care about stability, opportunity, and community. My goal is progress, not performance.
How can I get involved or support the campaign?
There are a few ways to get involved, depending on what feels right for you:
1. Volunteer your time or skills
2. Donate to help fund the campaign
3. Stay connected by joining the email list
Every form of support matters, and there’s no one “right” way to participate.
What Is Ohio House District 19?
Ohio House District 19 includes a mix of southeast and east side suburbs, smaller municipalities, and specific Cleveland precincts. District lines can be confusing, which is why people ask this question so often. 👉Click the picture for a list of cities in District 19.
How Can I Confirm If I’m in District 19?
The easiest and most accurate way to check your district is through the Ohio Secretary of State voter lookup tool.
You can enter your information and see:
• Your Ohio House district
• Your State Senate district
• Your congressional district
• Your polling location and registration status
If you live in District 19, I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.
👉 Check your voter registration and district, click on the button below!
Get In Touch
Map of Ohio House District 19
