Hearcel F. Craig (born July 1, 1949) is an American politician serving as the Senator for the 15th District of the Ohio State Senate. Craig formerly served in the United States Army and then had a career with the Ohio Department of Youth Services. He then went on to help develop City Year in Columbus. He has a degree from Central Michigan University.[1] In 2007, Craig was appointed to serve on Columbus City Council. While on Council, Craig rose to serve as President Pro Tempore.[2]

Hearcel F. Craig
Member of the Ohio Senate
from the 15th district
Assumed office
January 6, 2019
Preceded byCharleta Tavares
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives
from the 26th district
In office
January 6, 2015 – December 31, 2018
Preceded byTracy Maxwell Heard
Succeeded byErica Crawley
Columbus City Councilmember
In office
April 16, 2007 – December 31, 2014
Preceded byPatsy Thomas
Succeeded byJaiza Page
Personal details
Born (1949-07-01) July 1, 1949 (age 75)
U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseLinda Craig
Children4
Residence(s)Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Alma materCentral Michigan University (MS)
Websitehttps://craig4ohio.com/
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1970 - 1972
UnitUnited States Army

In 2014, Craig decided to run for the Ohio House of Representatives to replace Tracy Maxwell Heard, who was term limited.[3] He won the primary over Heard's husband, Howard Heard. He went on to defeat Republican Dustin Pyles 76%-24%. He was elected to a 2nd term in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2016. In 2018, Craig decided to seek the nomination for Ohio's 15th State Senate District. The incumbent, Charleta Tavares, was term limited and unable to seek re-election. Craig won both the primary and general elections, and took office on January 6, 2019.

Ohio State Senate

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In 2018, instead of seeking re-election, Craig decided to seek the nomination for Ohio's 15th State Senate District.[4] The incumbent Senator, Charleta Tavares, was term-limited and unable to seek re-election. Craig won both primary and general elections, and took office on January 6, 2019.

In 2021, Craig was elected as Assistant Minority Whip for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus.

Committee assignments

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Source:[5]

  • Committee on Government Oversight & Reform (Ranking Member)
  • Insurance (Ranking Member)
  • Energy & Public Utilities
  • Finance
  • Financial Institutions & Technology

Electoral history

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Election results
Year Office Election Votes for Craig % Opponent Party Votes %
2007 Columbus City Council General 49,753 (4th)* 14.61
2011 General 74,156 (4th)* 14.37
2014 Ohio House of Representatives Primary 4,430 60.44 Howard Heard Democratic 2,899 39.56
General 19,505 75.79 Dustin Pyles Republican 6,230 24.21
2016 General 40,268 79.61 Kenneth H. Collins Republican 10,314 20.39
2018 Ohio State Senate Primary 20,440 69.77 Jodi Howell Democratic 8,857 30.23
General 107,505 82.52 Jordan Garcea Republican 22,778 17.48

* Top four are elected to Columbus City Council

References

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  1. ^ "Hearcel Craig's run could lead to city council changes". Columbus Dispatch. Columbus. 2014-03-12. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
  2. ^ "Mayor Coleman delivers tenth State of the City speech". www.wcbe.org. 27 February 2009. Retrieved 2021-01-09.
  3. ^ "Council announces process, timeline to fill Craig vacancy". HobNob Columbus. Columbus. 2014-11-11. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
  4. ^ Siegel, Jim. "Craig to run for Senate seat, setting up likely primary". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2021-01-09.
  5. ^ "Senator Hearcel F. Craig - Bio | The Ohio Senate". ohiosenate.gov. Retrieved 2021-01-09.