HAMILTON — Although there will be two Butler County Democrats on the March 4 ballot vying for Republican state Sen. Gary Cates' seat, one has already conceded victory to his opponent.

Fairfield computer salesman Erik Rivera, known locally for two failed runs for the Fairfield school board, said he'll keep his name on the ballot, but his opponent is "unopposed."

He said he was only running because he didn't want Cates unopposed in the general election.

"I would definitely support anyone that would beat the Republicans," said Rivera, including his opponent, Kathryn Bridgman. "If she is that person, I told her I would definitely support and help her."

Bridgman believes she is exactly that Democrat.

The retired broadcasting executive from West Chester Twp. sports the Butler County Democratic Party's endorsement and said she has the business savvy and creativity that Columbus needs.

"I think there is a lack of creativity currently," she said. "I think there are other ways to do things other than the easy way of raising taxes."

She said she wants to fix health care, education and taxes, and focused on a word popular with Democrats this year — change.

"I think people really want change. They want things done that have not been done, (such as) addressing our basic needs," she said.

Cates, also from West Chester Twp., carries his party's endorsement and is running unopposed in the primary.

Contact this reporter at jsweigart@coxohio.com.