American Motherhood

Bethany Kungle

American Motherhood is a civic platform grounded in motherhood making politics accessible, relevant, and human. We believe that respectful curiosity is powerful and informed participation matters - especially at the local level.

  1. 18h ago

    Meet Daquan Neal, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 39

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Daquan Neal, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 39 in Montgomery County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families. We dig into his priorities for the state, including a livable wage, universal free school lunch, and how tax policy affects working families. Daquan brings high energy to every part of this conversation, and he makes a different kind of ask: he's asking you to share his platform more than your wallet.  Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Connect with Daquan: Daquanforstaterep.orgInstagramFacebookTikTok Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Ohio Income Tax Rates (Ohio Department of Taxation): Ohio's official tax rate tables. Under the state budget signed in June 2025, Ohio moved to a flat income tax in 2026: no state income tax on the first $26,050, and a single 2.75% rate on income above that.Analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Policy Center): A nonpartisan breakdown of the 2017 federal tax law. It found the law cut taxes on average for all income groups, with the largest cuts as a share of income going to higher-income households.Head Start Center Locator (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): Find Head Start and Early Head Start programs near you. These federally funded programs offer free early learning, health, and family support services for eligible children from birth to age 5.Living Wage Calculator: Ohio (MIT): Estimates what it actually costs to support a household in Ohio, by county and family size, compared to minimum wage. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com.

    Meet Daquan Neal, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 39
  2. Sep 29

    Meet Don Kissick, Libertarian Candidate for Ohio Governor

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Don Kissick, the Libertarian candidate for Ohio governor, for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of his vision for the state. We dig into what limited government would really look like for families, including his belief that a robust economy would allow communities to rely on private charity rather than government programs. We also talk about where he stands on immigration and why the Fourth Amendment's protections for our homes and personal property matter more than ever. It's a candid look at personal liberty and the role of government in our everyday lives. Whether you're familiar with Libertarian ideas or hearing them for the first time, there's plenty here to think about. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com. Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. The Fourth Amendment, which guarantees people the right to be secure in their homes and their effects. Learn more about the Libertarian Party: Welcome to the Libertarian Party Connect with Don Kissick: Instagram: @donkissickTikTok: @don.kissickX: @DonCKissickFacebook: @DonKissickLiberty

    Meet Don Kissick, Libertarian Candidate for Ohio Governor
  3. Sep 25

    Meet Judge Marilyn Zayas, Candidate for Ohio Supreme Court

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Judge Marilyn Zayas, who's running for one of two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court. We cover how the Ohio Supreme Court touches everyday family life, where the line falls between interpreting the law and making policy, setting aside personal opinion to follow the law, party labels on judicial ballots, and what the court can do when the legislature doesn't comply with its rulings. Above all, this is a conversation about making the court and judicial races more accessible and transparent for all Ohioans. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com. Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Want to learn more about the judicial candidates on your ballot? VOTE411: The League of Women Voters' nonpartisan voter guide. Enter your address to see every race on your ballot, including judges, with candidates' answers in their own words.Judicial Votes Count: Ohio's nonpartisan, statewide resource on judicial elections. It has candidate profiles with qualifications, endorsements, and reasons for running, plus explainers on how Ohio's courts work.Judge4Yourself: Nonpartisan ratings of Ohio Supreme Court and Cuyahoga County judicial candidates from a coalition of bar associations. Candidates are rated from "Excellent" to "Not Recommended" based on integrity, knowledge, experience, diligence, and impartiality. Want to understand the court's role in school funding and redistricting? DeRolph v. State: School Funding Case (Ohio Legislative Service Commission): A nonpartisan legislative summary of Ohio's landmark school funding case. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled 4 to 3 that the state's funding system was unconstitutional. The court revisited the case several times over the following years before ending its involvement, but the underlying funding problems were never fully resolved.Ohio Legislative District Maps Ruled Unconstitutional (Court News Ohio): The Ohio Supreme Court's own summary of its first 2022 redistricting ruling, including both the majority and dissenting views. From 2021 to 2022, the court struck down Ohio's state legislative maps five times and the congressional maps twice.Ohio's EdChoice Voucher Case (Statehouse News Bureau): Coverage of the appeal of a 2025 lower court ruling that found Ohio's EdChoice private school voucher program unconstitutional. The case may reach the Ohio Supreme Court. The state argues vouchers are scholarships that give families more educational options, not state funding for private schools.

    Meet Judge Marilyn Zayas, Candidate for Ohio Supreme Court
  4. Sep 17

    Meet Samantha Salamon, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 35

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Samantha Salamon, who is running to represent Ohio House District 35, to talk about the issues that matter most to Ohio families. We cover the top concerns for families, including affordability, public education, property taxes, and how our legislature can create change for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Above all, this is a conversation between two moms, appreciating the hard work of motherhood and recognizing that mothers are uniquely positioned to understand this world and make change for our kids. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they would lead. Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Want to know how much your school district receives from the State of Ohio? The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce publishes state funding and financial data for every public school district. District Profile Report (Cupp Report): the most user-friendly option, with revenue by source, expenditures, enrollment, and other financial data for individual districts.Traditional District Payment Reports (Excel): raw payment data by fiscal year, select your report and find your district in the spreadsheet. FY2026 Final #1 is the most current final report available. If you or someone you know needs support related to domestic violence or human trafficking: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), available 24/7, or chat at thehotline.org.Ohio Domestic Violence Network: resources and legal support for survivors across Ohio. odvn.org/resource-centerNational Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, available 24/7 in over 200 languages. humantraffickinghotline.orgOhio's Statewide Human Trafficking Hotline (844-END-OHHT / 844-363-6448): operated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, connects tips directly to local law enforcement and task forces. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.

    Meet Samantha Salamon, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 35
  5. Sep 15

    Meet Don Leonard, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 15

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Don Leonard, Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, to discuss the issues affecting Ohio families and his priorities for the district and the state. We ask him about affordability and the challenges facing families today, including housing, healthcare, childcare, and the unique pressures facing the sandwich generation. In this conversation, we’re reminded that we can aim higher for the next generation, and Don shares how he would work to shape Ohio’s future. Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions and priorities, and get a better sense of how they would approach the issues that matter to families. Resources for this conversation: We’ve included resources below to help you explore some of the issues discussed in this interview. They provide additional context, background information, and perspectives on topics raised during our conversation. Benefits Cliff Calculator Explore how changes in family income can affect taxes, public benefits, and overall household resources. Medigap and Pre-existing Conditions Learn about Medicare Supplement Insurance enrollment protections and how pre-existing conditions can affect coverage. Proposed Changes to Head Start Read more about proposed federal changes to Head Start regulations and what they could mean for Head Start programs and the families they serve. New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Program Learn how New Mexico expanded childcare assistance to provide no-cost childcare regardless of family income. Connecticut’s Child Care Affordability Model Learn about Connecticut’s plan to provide no-cost childcare through its Early Start CT program for families earning up to $100,000, while capping family contributions at 7% of household income for families earning more than $100,000. The changes are expected to begin in 2027.  Subscribe so you don't miss our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series, and follow us on Instagram for more.

    Meet Don Leonard, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 15
  6. Sep 8

    Meet Cleophus Dulaney, Republican Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 3

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Mr. Cleophus Dulaney, Republican candidate for Ohio’s Third Congressional District, to discuss the issues affecting Ohio families and his priorities for the district and the state. We asked him about affordable housing, property taxes, education, his vision for Ohio, and the kind of leader he would be. Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions and priorities, and get a better sense of how they would approach the issues that matter to families. Resources for This Conversation We’ve included resources below to help you explore some of the issues and claims discussed during this interview. These sources may provide additional context, support information shared during the conversation, or offer additional perspectives and background. What does the U.S. Constitution say about federal taxes? National Archives: 16th Amendment Congress.gov: Constitution Annotated, 16th Amendment  What does the Ohio Constitution say about funding public schools? Ohio Constitution, Article VI: Education To learn more about how public schools are funded in Ohio, listen to our own American Motherhood: Schoolhouse Series (6 episodes) Ohio House Bill 114: The legislation addresses kindergarten age requirements and took effect March 20, 2026. Ohio Legislature: House Bill 114  The history of tariffs: This nonpartisan CRS report provides historical context on U.S. tariff policy, including tariffs’ role in federal revenue and trade policy: Congressional Research Service: U.S. Tariff Policy: Overview  A timeline and background on the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Jan 6 timeline Criminal complaint involving Cleophus Dulaney: United States of America v. Cleophus Dulaney Arrest of Joyce Beatty: Roll Call: Capitol Police arrest Rep. Joyce Beatty at protest 2020 Election Results: 1. Peer-reviewed research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: PNAS research 2. U.S. House Select Committee: January 6 Final Report: President Trump Had His Day in Court 3. PolitiFact: More than 60 of Trump’s election lawsuits lacked merit

    Meet Cleophus Dulaney, Republican Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 3

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American Motherhood is a civic platform grounded in motherhood making politics accessible, relevant, and human. We believe that respectful curiosity is powerful and informed participation matters - especially at the local level.

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