Toledo drag performer Sugar Vermonte announces congressional bid

David Gedert, known on stage as Sugar Vermonte, a Toledo-based drag performer and business owner, has announced their candidacy for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, promising to shake up the political landscape. Gedert, 42, will stand as the Libertarian nominee against long-serving Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur and Republican challengers Derek Merrin and Josh Williams.

Gedert rose to prominence as the founder of Maybe Cheese Born With It, a mac-and-cheese food truck that gained national attention after finishing second on Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. Their entrepreneurial journey began with a stimulus cheque, a hot plate and “some pink paint”, evolving into a thriving business that they say exemplifies resilience and innovation.

In announcing their campaign, Gedert criticised both major parties for failing ordinary Ohioans. “Democrats protect entrenched institutions while Republicans manufacture culture wars,” they said. “As an openly intersex drag queen, I know what it’s like to live outside their categories - it’s time we build a third way that puts people first.”

Their platform centres on reducing government regulation for small businesses and safeguarding personal freedoms, including the legalisation and limited regulation of marijuana, kava and kratom. Gedert insists Ohio’s voter-approved marijuana initiative must remain intact, warning against political interference.

Beyond business and politics, Gedert is active in community advocacy. They received the Advocacy Mission Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in 2024 and works with charities supporting seniors affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.