Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined host Ed “Flash” Ferenc on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on Jan. 2, to kick off the new year with a recap of Central Ohio’s pro-labor momentum and a clear look at what is at stake in the 2026 election cycle.
Hager said the C/COBCTC is “going to hit the ground running” in 2026, pointing to municipal wins, statewide races and the importance of educating members on down-ballot contests that directly affect working families.
2026 politics: local wins, statewide races and the importance of judges
Looking back at the 2025 election, Hager highlighted several City Council victories and pro-labor leadership in Columbus.
He cited the election of Tierra Ross, Manuel Ramey and Chris Wyche, as well as the continued leadership of Council President Shannon Hardin and Council Pro Tem Rob Dorans, an IBEW Local 683 member and Chief Legal Counsel for Affiliated Construction Trades (ACT) Ohio. Hager said Appellate Court Judge Kristen Boggs, a longtime friend of labor, administered Dorans’ swearing-in.
He claimed Columbus is operating with the most pro-union City Council in the city’s history and noted that recent policies have helped support union work across the region.
Turning to statewide races, Hager said 2026 will include State House and State Senate elections, along with a governor’s race drawing attention from organized labor.
He noted Democratic candidate Amy Acton and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy are both seeking union support. Hager said he has seen Ramaswamy engaging with labor by touring training centers in Columbus and Central Ohio.
The race Hager said he is watching most closely is the Republican primary for Ohio Treasurer.
Hager said State Rep. Jay Edwards, a term-limited lawmaker from Athens, is running for Treasurer against Christina “Christy” Regner. Hager described Regner as consistently anti-labor, citing her repeated efforts to advance So-Called “Right to Work” legislation, weaken Prevailing Wage and undermine Project Labor Agreements.
Hager said the building trades are backing Edwards and called the May primary a significant test, arguing that a statewide win for Regner would elevate her platform and influence.
He also emphasized the importance of judicial races, noting that many voters can name top federal officials but cannot identify local judges or school board members.
“Those are the people that affect their lives on a daily basis,” Hager said, adding that judges can impact freedom, earning ability and financial stability.
Why some politicians stay anti-union
Ferenc asked why Regner is so anti-union.
Hager said he has tried to engage her directly, including at a 2015 Republican presidential debate-related event in Cleveland.
He said he approached her to ask why she does not support workers who “put on boots and a helmet every day,” but she did not offer a clear answer.
Hager suggested that the political circles she came up through may shape her views, and he said he believes she is unlikely to change.
Nationwide Arena renovations: $200 million plan with a PLA
Hager also discussed planned renovations at Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets and a significant venue for concerts and events.
He said the arena, completed in 1999, is due for significant upgrades. Hager credited Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority CEO Ken Paul with assembling a plan to fund approximately $200 million in renovations over the next three to five years.
Hager said the funding plan includes adjustments tied to ticket taxes and casino-related revenue that would support the Convention Facilities Authority.
He also said Paul has agreed to use a Project Labor Agreement for the work, covering upgrades ranging from escalators and elevators to a new roof, suites and a new entrance.
The goal is to complete the work safely, on time and without disrupting the arena’s event schedule, Hager added.
He noted City Council has already taken initial steps toward approval and said the plan was expected to go before the county around Jan. 15.
Organizing at The Columbus Dispatch and a changing mindset
Ferenc asked about organizing activity at The Columbus Dispatch.
Hager said the Dispatch’s writers and staffers signed cards to form a bargaining unit.
He framed the moment as a sign of shifting attitudes in the region, noting that a few years ago the paper “wouldn’t even print the words Project Labor Agreement.”
Hager said the organizing effort reflects broader work to increase union density across Central Ohio, from hospitality and service workers to building trades projects delivered under collective bargaining agreements.
“I do believe that Columbus is becoming a union town,” Hager said.
Friends of Labor luncheon: building relationships across parties
Hager also shared background on the Friends of Labor luncheon, describing it as a long-running tradition originally hosted by IBEW Local 683.
He said the event, typically held on the second Wednesday in December, brings together Republicans and Democrats, judges, elected officials, staff and labor leaders to “break bread” and strengthen relationships.
Hager said recent years have drawn more than 200 attendees, including over 250 this year, and the event has been hosted at the Columbus Casino, which he described as “the house that labor built.”
He said the luncheon has become a key convening point for pro-labor coalition building, with attendees including Mayor Andrew Ginther, Commissioner John O’Grady, all members of City Council and statewide candidates.
Listen to AWF
Hager closed by wishing listeners a “prosperous ’26” and reiterated the Council’s focus on staying engaged politically while continuing to expand union work and union density across Central Ohio.