Chapter Text
The Ohio Times
April 29th, 2003
SENATOR JASON DEAN WELCOMES BABY BOY
By Elizabeth Finn
Pictured, left to right: Jason Dean, Charlotte Dean, Jason Dean Jr, Veronica Dean, Benjamin Dean
Amid his campaign for the U.S. Senate, Ohio Senator Jason Charles Dean (32) and his wife, Veronica Marie Dean (31), have expanded their family.
On April 7th, at 10:45 pm, the Deans welcomed their third child into the world: a baby boy they named Benjamin Bud Dean. Weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces, Benjamin’s arrival comes at a pivotal time in his father’s career: just a few months away from one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country.
"It's been chaotic," Senator Dean said during an exclusive interview at his family home in Columbus, Ohio. "But in the best way possible."
Throughout Senator Dean’s political journey, his family has also become a part of the public eye, and this week, he has allowed the Ohio Times further insights into his personal life as they adapt to the new addition to the family.
“Our oldest son has been perfect, always making sure that his mom and the baby are okay and trying to help as much as he can,” he said. “And our daughter was beyond happy when she heard she was going to be a big sister. She loves playing house, so she is constantly asking us to let her hold him and change his clothes like he's one of her dolls.”
Dean and his wife are also parents to 10-year-old Jason Alexander Dean (known as Jason Dean Jr.) and Charlotte Ruth Dean, who turns five next month.
"With the campaign, and now three kids, this has been a tumultuous year, and I couldn't have done it if not for my amazing wife," Senator Dean said. The couple have been married for just over a decade. "She's been with me through thick and thin, supporting me every step of the way. I wouldn't be where I am now without her support. Coming back to your family and holding your newborn son in your arms after a long day of work...It reminds you exactly why this work matters."
A member of the Westerberg Party, Dean has held a seat in the Ohio Senate since 1998 and is running for the US Senate in a narrow race against Heather Chandler (31) of the Remington Party, widow of US Senator David Carrington.
Carrington, who was the forerunner in the election, was involved in a car accident on October 15th 2002, alongside his wife. Whereas Chandler recovered from her injuries, her husband died instantly, at 41 years old. Now, she follows in his footsteps as Dean’s biggest opponent.
Although Chandler's background in politics might fall short in comparison to Dean's, the pair are far from strangers. Both Dean and Chandler are alumni from Stanford University, having graduated in Political Science in 1994, and even sharing some of the same classes.
"Back then, we used to compete for the best student spot, and now we're fighting for something much bigger than grades. I've always respected Ms Chandler, but while we may have started in the same place, we've taken such different routes," was Senator Dean's answer when questioned about the subject. "This race is about who has the most experience and is capable of moving this state forward, and I think that answer is clear."
In spite of the fierce race he finds himself in, Senator Dean insists that stepping back for a few days to focus on his family was not a hard decision at all. He states that he has not slowed down his momentum, and now everything is back on track. In fact, Dean mentions that his son's birth has only increased his focus on policies he's been committed to for years, such as access to proper maternal care across the counties, support for low-income families, and improvement in childhood education. To accusations that navigating life with a new baby might be a distraction and interfere with his campaign, Dean responded with a smile.
"I'm more focused than ever. This baby isn't a distraction. He's one more reason to get up every day and fight for what I stand for."
As the race heads into its final six months, with both Chandler and Dean evenly matched and public attention intensifying, the outcome remains uncertain. Every debate, campaign appearance, and policy announcement could prove decisive in determining who our next senator will be.