Tom Patton
Tom Patton | |
---|---|
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives | |
Assumed office January 2, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Adam Miller |
Constituency | 17th district |
In office January 2, 2017 – December 31, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Mike Dovilla |
Succeeded by | Allison Russo |
Constituency | 7th district |
In office January 6, 2003 – November 18, 2008 | |
Preceded by | Erin Sullivan |
Succeeded by | Matt Patten |
Constituency | 18th district |
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 24th district | |
In office November 18, 2008 – December 31, 2016 | |
Preceded by | Robert Spada |
Succeeded by | Matt Dolan |
Personal details | |
Born | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. | November 3, 1953
Political party | Republican |
Residence(s) | Strongsville, Ohio, U.S. |
Alma mater | Cleveland State University |
Profession | Legislator |
Thomas F. Patton (born November 3, 1953) is a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 17th district since 2023.
Patton previously represented the
Career
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Patton is a member the Knights of Columbus, the Cleveland Police Historical Society, the AFL-CIO and serves as president of the Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Local 756.
With newly drawn district lines following redistricting in 2002, Patton was one of five Republicans who sought to succeed incumbent Erin Sullivan. To take the nomination, Patton received 42.33% of the vote.[1] He went on to defeat Democrat Susan Adams in the general election with 52.4% of the vote.[2] In his first reelection bid, Patton defeated Democrat Bobby Bland with 66.59% of the vote to take a second term.[3] For his third term in House, Patton faced John Celebrezze in 2006. However, he easily defeated his opposition with 58.53% of the electorate.[4]
When incumbent
Ohio House of Representatives
Term-limited in the Senate in 2016, Patton succeeded in convincing Representative Mike Dovilla to run for his Senate seat, allowing for Patton to return to the House.[7] Opposed in the Republican primary, Patton handily defeated Jennifer M. Herold, 79% to 21%. Dovilla lost the Republican primary for Patton's Senate seat to Matt Dolan.[8]
Patton was unopposed in the general election, winning a seat that on paper is one of the most competitive in the state. He was sworn in for his fourth non-consecutive term in the House on January 3, 2017.[9]
Committee Memberships
- Aging and Long Term Care[10]
- Finance[10]
- Public Utilities[10]
- Rules and Reference[10]
- Transportation and Public Safety[10]
- Finance Subcommittee on Transportation[10]
Run for Congress
Patton announced on July 31, 2017, his intention to seek the Republican nomination for Ohio's 16th Congressional District.[11]
Criticism
Jimmy Dimora Trial
During the trial of former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, Patton was accused of bribing former Parma School Board member J. Kevin Kelley. Patton's third cousin, Kelley had already pleaded guilty to several counts of corruption related crimes when he testified under oath as to accepting the bribes from Patton. Patton denied the claim.[12]
Controversial comments
In an interview[13] on America's Workforce Radio, Patton referred to his opponent, Jennifer Herold, as "gal" and "sweetie". In addition, he questioned her ability to serve because she is a mother of young children.[14]
The comments generated national coverage. Numerous outlets such as Cosmopolitan,[15] Gawker,[16] and The Christian Science Monitor[17] editorialized the story. Nate Beeler of The Columbus Dispatch also covered it, creating a cartoon regarding the comments.[18]
References
- ^ Blackwell, Kenneth 2002 primary election results (May 4, 2002)
- ^ Blackwell, Kenneth 2002 general election results (2002-11-04)
- ^ Blackwell, Kenneth 2004 general election results (2004-11-02)
- ^ Blackwell, Kenneth 2006 general election results Archived June 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine (2006-11-07)
- ^ Brunner, Jennifer 2008 general election results Archived February 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine (2008-11-04)
- ^ "Homepage - Ohio Secretary of State". www2.SOS.State.oh.us. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Senate Majority Leader Tom Patton to run for Ohio House". November 10, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
- ^ "Tom Patton leading in Republican primary for Ohio House District 7". March 16, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
- ^ "Endorsing Matt Dolan for Ohio Senate 24th District: endorsement editorial". October 20, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "Representative Thomas F. Patton (R) - District 7 | The Ohio House of Representatives". www.ohiohouse.gov. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
- ^ "Patton Announces Run - Tom Patton for Ohio Congress". Tom Patton for Ohio Congress. July 31, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
- ^ "Jimmy Dimora trial: Former Parma school board member J. Kevin Kelley testifies he received bribe from state senator, who denies the claim". Cleveland.com. February 3, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Today's show 1-18-16 - Americia's Work Force Radio". AWFRadio.com. January 18, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Ohio Sen. Tom Patton suggests opponent shouldn't run because she's a young mother". Cleveland.com. January 28, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
- ^ "The Reason a Politician Suggested This Woman Shouldn't Run for Office Will Outrage You". Cosmopolitan.com. January 29, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ Rothkopf, Joanna (January 28, 2016). "Ohio State Senator Thinks Opponent Shouldn't Run Against Him Because She Is a Young Mother". Jezebel.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Can mothers be lawmakers? Ohio senator asks". The Christian Science Monitor. January 28, 2016. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020.
- ^ "Beeler Toon". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved February 19, 2016.