Chandler was opposed by Sharonville attorney Lee Hornberger; Ralph Applegate, the business agent of an architect, who lived outside the district in Columbus; Ray Mitchell, a perennial candidate and business broker from Montgomery County's Miami Township, also outside the district; and Robert Dale McDilda Sr. of Price Hill, who ran for the United States Senate in Alabama in 1986. The Dayton Daily News described Chandler's opponents in skeptical terms:
Chandler faced challenges from Sharonville attorney Lee Hornberger; Ralph Applegate, a business advocate for an architect living outside the district in Columbus; Ray Mitchell, a frequent candidate and business facilitator from Montgomery County's Miami Township, also outside the district; and Robert Dale McDilda Sr. of Price Hill, who ran for the United States Senate in Alabama in 1986. The Dayton Daily News portrayed Chandler's opponents in a skeptical manner: