Antonio Sworn Into 136th General Assembly as Democratic Leader

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) took the oath of office to continue serving in the Ohio Senate during the 136th General Assembly as Democratic Leader.

“I am honored to be re-elected Senate Minority Leader for this new convening of the Ohio General Assembly,” said Antonio. “It is a privilege to lead our Democratic Caucus again – this time with two additional members who will hit the ground running as we work on behalf of everyday Ohioans.”

Antonio is known as a dedicated champion for workers’ rights, high-quality education for all, local governments, equal rights for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, health care for all, fighting the opioid crisis and working to end the death penalty in Ohio.

She is recognized as a leader who reaches across the aisle to get things done. As a result, she has worked to pass legislation such as Ohio’s historic adoption open records law (S.B. 23/H.B. 61),  Step therapy reform  (S.B. 265/H.B. 72) and S.B. 100 to outlaw electronic device stalking amongst others.

 During each of her five terms in office, Antonio introduced the Ohio Fairness Act to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, and a bill to end Ohio’s use of the death penalty, as well as an array of other bills focused on improving the lives of all Ohioans. Antonio continues to be an established expert in health policy. 

Antonio has been recognized with numerous leadership awards including CSU Distinguished Alumni of the Year, Model of Justice Award by the Justice League and 2023 Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Antonio holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Maxine Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University (CSU) as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from CSU. Antonio is an alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior and Executive Leadership Program for State and Local Governments.

Daughters Ariel and Stacey, both Lakewood High School graduates, have made Antonio and her wife, Jean Kosmac, very proud as the girls progress through their life journeys.

Leader Antonio represents the 23rd Senate District, which encompasses Bay Village, Bratenahl, Cleveland (part), Fairview Park, Lakewood, Rocky River, and Westlake.