Sean O'Brien (Ohio politician)


Sean O'Brien is a Democratic member of the Ohio Senate, representing the 32nd district. The district includes all of Ashtabula and Trumbull counties, as well as a portion of Geauga County. O'Brien formerly served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016.

Life and career

A lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley, O'Brien went on to graduate from Edinboro University before earning his law degree from the University of Akron. O'Brien founded the Trumbull County Community Foundation, an economic development not-for-profit. He is married with two daughters.
O'Brien was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in November 2010 with 64.53% of the vote, defeating Republican Geno Capone and Independent Werner Lange. He won reelection in 2012, garnering 72.46% of the vote, and again in 2014 with 66%. Prior to his election O'Brien served as assistant prosecutor in Trumbull County.

Ohio Senate

In 2016, ten-year incumbent Capri Cafaro was ineligible to run for re-election to the Ohio Senate due to term-limits. O'Brien made it known fairly early that he intended to succeed her. While initially he faced competition for the nomination from Tom Letson, Letson eventually dropped out. In the primary, he faced political newcomer Kristen Rock, but defeated her easily 62% to 38% to take the nomination.
While Donald Trump won the district in 2016, O'Brien easily defeated Republican Robert Allen, 56% to 44% to take the seat in the general election. He was sworn in on January 3, 2017.

Committee assignments