From Firefighter to Counselor to Candidate: My Election Journey to Serve Russell Township

This is my first time running for political office, and stepping forward in today’s climate has been an incredible leap of faith. With just one month until Election Day, I am more energized than ever to win this race alongside my running mate, John Ishee.

I want to take a moment to share something personal with you. As I go door-to-door and deliver signs, I keep hearing the same message from voters: you are tired of the current state of politics—in our country, our state, our county, and right here in Russell Township. You are fed up with the name-calling and the “all-or-nothing” approach to politics and culture. Many of you tell me it’s time to start changing the tone at the local level, and I couldn’t agree more.

This is why I have no social media presence anymore. On September 10, I woke up to a Facebook post doxxing me for being part of the LGBTQ community. Later that same day, Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University. In the wake of that tragedy, the comments directed at me ranged from support to disgust to outright death threats. I filed police reports and documented every one of those threats.

Unfortunately, politics has too often become a dystopian blood sport where “winner takes all.” But the world I grew up in taught me that the majority has a responsibility to protect the rights of the minority. That’s the world I still believe in, and that’s why bowing out has never been an option. My father called me after seeing the threats and reminded me: “Amy, you’ve wanted to serve your community since you were a child—by becoming a volunteer firefighter, becoming a counselor, and now running for office. Don’t let the bullies win. You go out there and win this election.”

Now I turn to you: what can we do together to change politics here in Russell Township? Can you make phone calls? Can you walk your neighborhood and talk to your neighbors? Can you support Heutmaker & Ishee financially? Whatever support you can offer, we need it, and we’ll be grateful for it.

👉 To volunteer, please email me at peopleforamyheutmaker@gmail.com or

text me at 216-250-1963.

👉 To contribute financially, visit www.amyheutmaker.com.

Thank you for your encouragement and support. Meeting so many of you has renewed my hope for Russell Township and for our country.

P.S. Early voting begins next week—make your voice heard!