Thomas F. Patton (born November 3, 1953) is a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 17th district since 2023. Tom’s time as a legislator began when he was elected as a Representative to Ohio's 18th House District from 2003 to 2008. He remained in the lower house throughout the 125th, 126th, and 127th Ohio General Assemblies. After his time in the lower chamber, Tom Patton was next elected to the Ohio State Senate, serving from 2008 to 2016. Patton assumed this Senatorial position two months earlier than normal due to the resignation of then incumbent Robert Spada shortly after the election. As a State Senator he represented Ohio's 24th Senatorial District for the 128th, 129th, 130th, and 131st Ohio General Assemblies. During the 130th and 131st Ohio General Assemblies Tom Patton served as the Senate Majority Leader. Patton then returned to the Ohio House of Representatives, serving from 2017 onwards. He was elected to represent Ohio's 7th House District for the 132nd, 133rd, and 134th Ohio General Assemblies. During the 132nd Ohio General Assembly Tom Patton served as the House Majority Whip.

About

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Patton serves on the Incarnate Word Academy and Holy Name High School endowment boards, is a Cleveland Police Historical Society trustee, and has been a longstanding Strongsville Chamber of Commerce member. Tom Patton is also 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. He is also a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police. A widower, he raised his family of five daughters and one son in Strongsville and has been blessed with ten grandchildren. The 7th House District encompasses portions of Cuyahoga County and includes his hometown of Strongsville. Though his legislative responsibilities in Columbus have grown over the years, for Representative Patton, community and family come first.

Notable Bills Passed

House Bill 1

125th Ohio General Assembly – 2003**

• Citation " " currently refers to Kevin DeWine as the primary sponsor. At the time of writing this the authorities of the Ohio Legislature are working to correct the record to properly reflect the actual sponsor of the bill*

House Bill 602

127th Ohio General Assembly – 2009

Senate Bill 9

128th Ohio General Assembly – 2009

Senate Bill 27

131st Ohio General Assembly – 2017

House Bill 308

133rd Ohio General Assembly – 2021

Other Bills (Current/Not Passed)

House Bill 107

127th Ohio General Assembly – 2007

House Bill 416

135th Ohio General Assembly – 2024

House Bill 655

135th Ohio General Assembly – 2024

Ohio House of Representatives

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. He went on to defeat Democrat Susan Adams in the general election with 52.4% of the vote. In his first reelection bid, Patton defeated Democrat Bobby Bland with 66.59% of the vote to take a second term. For his third term in House, Patton faced John Celebrezze in 2006 and won with 58.53% of the electorate. 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. 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. 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.

Committee Memberships

135th Ohio General Assembly 2023–2024 134th Ohio General Assembly 2021-2022 133rd Ohio General Assembly 2019-2020 132nd Ohio General Assembly 2017-2018 127th Ohio General Assembly 2007-2008 126th Ohio General Assembly 2005-2006 125th Ohio General Assembly 2003-2004

Ohio Senate

When incumbent Bob Spada was unable to run for another term in the Ohio Senate in 2008, Patton decided to give up a fourth term in the House to run for the seat. Unopposed in the primary, Patton went on to defeat Democrat Gary Kucinich, brother of Dennis Kucinich, in the general election with 68.39% of the vote. Spada resigned his seat two months prior to the end of his term in order to take an appointment from Governor Ted Strickland. Subsequently, Senate Republicans decided to seat Patton early, in order for the Senate to have adequate representation throughout the important lame duck session. He was seated in the Senate on November 18, 2008. In 2012, Patton ran successfully for a second term, defeating Democrat Jennifer Brady with 59.16% of the vote.

Committee Memberships

131st Ohio General Assembly 2015-2016 130th Ohio General Assembly 2013-2014 129th Ohio General Assembly 2011-2012 128th Ohio General Assembly 2009-2010

Run for Congress

Patton announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for Ohio's 16th Congressional District on July 31, 2017.

Awards and Honors