Strongsville, OH – State Representative Tom Patton announced today his intention to seek the Republican nomination for the Ohio Senate. Patton, a life-long resident of Cuyahoga County currently serves in the Ohio House of Representatives. He previously served eight years in the Ohio Senate where he also served as Majority Leader.
“After talking it over with family, friends and a number of local officials, I have decided to run for the Ohio Senate. I’ve been blessed to serve the people of Cuyahoga County in the state legislature and am very proud of all we have accomplished for Northeast Ohio. If the voters see fit to return me to the Senate, they know I’m going to fight for them. Fight for their jobs. Fight for their families,” said Patton.
If elected, Patton said he will continue to work toward eliminating the state income tax, expanding job training, strengthening our local manufacturing sector, protecting school choice and parental rights, and reforming our local property tax structure to keep seniors in their homes. “My focus has always been on jobs, the economy, education, supporting law enforcement and strengthening families. Those are the things that keep our neighborhoods safe and prosperous.”
When asked about the apportionment process and the district maps, Patton dismissed concerns. “I’m born and raised in Cuyahoga County. I’ve fought for everyone in this county – in my district or not. I look at the big picture. From Cleveland Schools to Strongsville businesses, to non-profits in Euclid or the Arts downtown – I’ve made it my mission to make sure our communities are stronger together. From Cleveland to the suburbs I work for everyone – that’s why map lines don’t matter.”
Over the years, Representative Patton has been recognized and honored by a diverse group of organizations and advocates. He has been recognized by the Autism Society of Ohio for his work to increase awareness of autism. Patton has also been named a ‘Watchdog of the Treasury’ multiple times for his commitment to fiscal responsibility. In addition, he has earned the Moms for Ohio Public Service Award, the FOP Distinguished Public Servant Award, as well as twice the FOP Legislator of the Year Award, Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council Legislator of the Year for protecting consumer choice, Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Professional Society of Engineers, ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County Legislator of the Year Award, the Irish Good Fellow of the Year Award and many more.
Patton is an active member of St. Colman’s parish and previously served as chair of the church’s finance committee. He served on the Incarnate Word Academy and Holy Name High School endowment boards, is a Cleveland Police Historical Society trustee, and has been a long-standing Strongsville Chamber of Commerce member. A widower, he raised his family of five daughters and one son in Strongsville and has been blessed with ten grandchildren.