Preceded by Rhine McLin Role Ohio State Senator Preceded by Ed Orlett Education University of Dayton | Political party Democratic Party Democratic Party Name Tom Roberts Succeeded by Fred Strahorn | |
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Tom Roberts is an Ohio Democratic politician who formerly served as a member of the Ohio General Assembly. When Ed Orlett resigned from the Ohio House of Representatives in 1986, House Democrats appointed Roberts to serve the remainder of his term. He went on to win election that same November, and again in 1988 and 1990.
In 1992, Roberts was challenged by his predecessor, Ed Orlett, for the Democratic nomination, however Roberts ultimately won the primary election. He went on to win reelection in 1994, and 1996 as well.
By 1998, term limits did not allow Roberts to seek another term in 2000, and he was succeeded by his former aide, Fred Strahorn. He instead decided to run for Montgomery County Commissioner, but lost in a landslide.
Following Rhine McLin's victory to become Mayor of Dayton, Ohio in 2001, her state Senate seat became vacant. As a result, Roberts was appointed to serve the remainder of her term, and went on to win his own full term in 2002. He won reelection in 2006 and served as assistant minority leader in the 127th General Assembly.
By 2009, Roberts was unable to run again for his Senate seat. As a result, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland appointed Roberts to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. He therefore was required to resign his Senate seat, and was replaced again by Fred Strahorn.