COSHOCTON, OHIO -- Ohio State Senator Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton) announced today that she is seeking the Republican nomination for Ohio's 18th Congressional District.

"I look forward to running in the Republican primary for the 18th District," Senator Padgett said today. "It has been my honor to serve Ohio in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and I promise to take the same work ethic and values I applied there to the United States Congress."

"I commend Bob Ney for his many years of public service both in the Ohio legislature and the U.S. Congress. I wish the very best for him and his family in the future," Padgett concluded.

Originally a teacher by degree, Joy Padgett is currently the State Senator for Ohio's 20th District – a position she's held since January 2004. Previously, she was Director for the Ohio Governor's Office of Appalachia from 1999 to 2003, and from 1993 to 1999 she served in the Ohio House of Representatives.