Denise Driehaus (born January 23, 1963) is an American Democratic politician currently serving as a Hamilton County Commissioner.[1] She formerly served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2009 to 2016.

Denise Driehaus
Driehaus at a rally in 2016
Hamilton County Commissioner
Assumed office
January 3, 2017
Preceded byDennis Deters
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives
from the 31st district
In office
January 5, 2009 – December 31, 2016
Preceded bySteve Driehaus
Succeeded byBrigid Kelly
Personal details
Born (1963-01-23) January 23, 1963 (age 61)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Alma materMiami University
ProfessionSmall business owner

Life and career

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Driehaus was raised in Green Township by H. Donald "Don" Driehaus and his wife Clare along with her seven siblings. Her seat in the Ohio House of Representatives was previously represented by her brother Steve Driehaus.

After graduation from Miami University, Driehaus went on to own Philipps Swim Club and the Front Porch Coffeehouse in West Price Hill. She also formerly served on the Hamilton County Democratic Executive Committee, and was influential in electing Cincinnati politicians like Todd Portune, David Crowley, Dwight Tillery and John Cranley.

Driehaus and her family reside in Cincinnati.

Ohio House of Representatives

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With her term-limited brother, Representative Steve Driehaus, running for Congress, Driehaus sought to succeed him in 2008. With no primary opposition, she faced Republican Steve Johnson in the general election, and won with 67% of the vote.[2]

In her 2010 reelection bid, Driehaus' seat was looked at as a potential pick-up by Republicans. Once again unopposed in the primary, she went on to run against Republican Mike Robinson in the general election.[3] However, she managed to keep her seat, winning this time 56% to 44%.[4][5]

Driehaus has become vocal in regards to a plan to scrap portions of the education reform of former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, as well as the current education funding formulas of John Kasich.[6]

In 2012, Driehaus won a third term with 71.10% of the vote over Republican Michael Gabbard. She won a fourth term in 2014 with 65% of the vote.

Committee assignments

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Hamilton County Commissioner

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Driehaus with co-commissioners Todd Portune and Chris Monzel in 2017

In 2016, Driehaus was elected as Hamilton County Commissioner, replacing her opponent Dennis Deters. Her term in office began January 3, 2017.[7] Driehaus was re-elected to serve a second term as Hamilton County Commissioner in 2020.[8]

Electoral history

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Ohio House 37th District: Results 2008 to 2014
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2008 Denise Driehaus 25,600 67% Steve Johnson 11,735 33%
2010 Denise Driehaus 12,981 56.22% Mike Robinson 10,107 43.78%
2012 Denise Driehaus 35,982 71.4% Michael Gabbard 14,512 28.6%
2014 Denise Driehaus 17,798 65.6% Mary Yeager 8,426 34.4%
Hamiliton County Commissioner: Results 2016 to 2020
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2016 Denise Driehaus 198,132 50.61% Dennis Deters 193,390 49.39%
2020 Denise Driehaus 241,806 58.14% Matthew Paul O'Neill 174,088 41.86%

References

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  1. ^ Seitz, Amanda (November 22, 2016). "Denise Driehaus officially wins Hamilton County Commission seat, Democrats to take control". WCPO-TV. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  2. ^ Brunner, Jennifer 2008 general election results Archived 2011-09-16 at the Wayback Machine (2008-11-04)
  3. ^ Dems cry foul: Driehaus versus Robinson
  4. ^ Brunner, Jennifer 2010 general election results (2010-11-02)
  5. ^ Ohio Women’s Democratic Caucus Names Leadership Team Archived 2011-07-27 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Kasich budget could mean more local tax issues for rural and suburban schools, legislators complain". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland. 2015-02-10. Retrieved 2015-02-11.
  7. ^ "Hamilton County Official Election Results". Hamilton County Board of Elections. November 22, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  8. ^ "Hamilton County Official Election Results". Hamilton County Board of Elections. November 3, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
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