HOLIDAY EVENT — Members of the Jefferson County Democratic Party gathered at Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern Saturday night for their annual Christmas dinner. Special guests in attendance included, from left, John Kuiewicz, candidate for Ohio attorney general; Allison Russo, candidate for Ohio secretary of state; Jennifer Brunner, Ohio Supreme Court justice; Eddie Abdalla, Jefferson County Democratic Party chairman; and Maureen Howard, vice chair. -- Julie Stenger

STEUBENVILLE — Holiday lights mingled with the hum of conversation Saturday evening as the Jefferson County Democratic Party gathered at Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern for its annual Christmas celebration — an evening marked by fellowship, reflection and a renewed sense of purpose as the year draws to a close.

Party Chairman Eddie Abdalla welcomed guests with gratitude and good humor, noting how the season has a way of bringing people together, not only to celebrate accomplishments but to recognize the quiet, steady work that often goes unseen.

The evening carried a special significance with the presence of several distinguished guests, including Jennifer Brunner, Ohio Supreme Court justice; Allison Russo, candidate for Ohio secretary of state; and John Kuiewicz, candidate for Ohio attorney general.

Vice Chair Maureen Howard introduced Russo, who spoke about the responsibilities of the office she seeks, emphasizing that the secretary of state’s role “should be a non‒partisan office,” adding that when voters cast their ballots, “each one needs to be counted, and every ballot should be honest and accurate.”

Russo, the former minority leader of the Ohio House of Representatives — and the first Democrat in a decade to flip a Central Ohio seat — highlighted her background as one of the state’s leading voices on health care access, worker protections and election integrity.

WORK RECOGNIZED — John Corrigan, right, was surprised with a Lifetime Achievement Award Saturday evening during the Jefferson County Democratic Party’s annual Christmas celebration. Party Chairman Eddie Abdalla presented the award to Corrigan, saying the awardee served in local government with integrity and respect for the county’s citizens. -- Julie Stenger

She told attendees she has the experience “to walk into office on day one and do this complicated job that requires a high amount of integrity and respect for voters toward pro‒democracy issues in the legislature.” Summing up her mission, she added, “My role is to be a top advocate for voters.”

Kuiewicz discussed the issues he believes matter most to working families. He told attendees he wants voters to know “I care about their paychecks,” explaining that he cares about their ability to get the training and jobs they need to earn that paycheck. He emphasized the importance of safe, healthy workplaces, saying he cares deeply about “their ability to work in a safe, healthy environment and to have a job in which they can earn a paycheck.”

“I care about the people’s right to keep their paycheck and not be robbed by consumer fraud or waste theft,” he stated, adding that he cares about their ability to spend their earnings “in an economy that is fair and honest.”

Kuiewicz noted his platform differs from that of Republicans in that he places far less emphasis on funding culture‒war cases in other states.

“I would focus more on the aspects of the attorney general’s office and make the economy of Ohio work better for everybody,” he said.

He shared a personal connection to the region, telling the audience his father is from Martins Ferry and the Ohio Valley has always been close to his heart. He recalled fond memories of visiting his grandparents and cousins in the area when he was younger, a reminder of how deeply rooted many Ohio stories are in family and place.

Abdalla then introduced Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Jane Hanlin, who has been named Ohio’s Outstanding Prosecuting Attorney of the Year.

Hanlin introduced Brunner, noting her admiration for the Supreme Court justice.

Brunner offered her own reflections, speaking with warmth and familiarity about the region and the people who shaped her early political journey.

“The Ohio Valley is very near and dear to my heart,” she said, recalling that 20 years ago, when she first ran for secretary of state, Jefferson County was the first Democratic Party organization in Ohio to endorse her candidacy. “John Abdalla put his faith in me,” she said, noting that when she left the bench to run statewide, “he really believed in me.”

“You never forget the ones who believed in you from the beginning,” Brunner added. “And anytime Jefferson County needs me, I am here.”

Brunner was met with a standing ovation by those in attendance, including Malcolm Ritchie, who is running for the 6th Congressional District seat.

Ritchie retired as a railroad conductor and locomotive engineer. A former member of the Army Reserves, he has been to Iraq three times. He explained he is running a grassroots campaign and is “very much on the same platform as Bernie Sanders.”

Ritchie, who attended the event with his wife and campaign manager, Janelle, exclaimed there is a 180-degree difference between him and current U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem.

“This campaign is going to be ugly,” Ritchie commented. He noted that will in no way deter him from running his campaign.

Two awards highlighted the evening, each carrying its own emotional weight.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented — unbeknownst to him — to John Corrigan, honoring his decades of dedication and service to the Democratic party.

Corrigan was visibly moved. Through tears and with a quivering voice, he stated he will continue to help the people of Jefferson County until the day he dies.

Abdalla stated Corrigan served in local government with integrity and respect for its citizens, adding he still considers the awardee not only a dear friend, but someone whom he can always count on for advice and wisdom.

Officials said he displays the spirit of commitment that has long shaped the party’s local efforts.

The Democrat of the Year Award for 2025 was presented to Steubenville’s Fourth Ward Councilman Royal Mayo, whose advocacy and steady presence throughout the year earned him the heartfelt appreciation of his peers.

Mayo’s work, often rooted in compassion and community uplift, was celebrated as an example of leadership grounded in service.

“After 15 years of complete Republican control of state government, the state of Ohio is in the bottom 10 of all states in categories we used to be in the top 10 of,” Abdalla concluded. “It’s time for a change in leadership in Columbus, and these three highly qualified candidates — when elected — will put the people first for the first time since 2010. We are honored they visited Jefferson County to hear what matters to the people of our area.”