Cecil Thomas (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecil Thomas
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Thomas in 2011
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Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 25th district |
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Assumed office January 1, 2023 |
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Preceded by | Dontavius Jarrells |
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 9th district |
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In office January 6, 2015 – December 31, 2022 |
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Preceded by | Eric Kearney |
Succeeded by | Catherine Ingram |
Member of the Cincinnati City Council | |
In office 2006–2014 |
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Personal details | |
Born | Alabama, U.S. |
October 21, 1952
Political party | Democratic |
Residences | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
Education | University of Cincinnati (BS) Union Institute & University (BS) |
Cecil L. Thomas (born October 21, 1952) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who has served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 25th district since 2023. He previously served as a member of the Ohio Senate from the 9th district from 2015 to 2022.
Early life and education
Thomas was born in rural northern Alabama and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio at a young age. He graduated from Withrow High School. In 1974, Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement technology from the University of Cincinnati. He later earned another Bachelor of Science degree, in criminal justice management, from the Union Institute & University.
Career
After high school, he joined the Cincinnati police cadet program, and served the city of Cincinnati as a police officer for the next 27 years. In 2005, following his retirement from the police force, Thomas ran and won election to Cincinnati City Council, where he served for the next eight years.
In 2014, Thomas declared his candidacy for the Ohio Senate. Incumbent Eric Kearney was term-limited and could not run for another term. He was one of numerous Democrats to vie for the nomination, including Dale Mallory, who many saw as a frontrunner. He won the primary, and go on to face Charlie Winburn, another viable opponent, however this time Republican. However, Thomas defeated Winburn 56%-44%. Cecil was a candidate for the 2021 Cincinnati mayoral election, placing third in a field of six candidates.