Hearcel Craig

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
Incumbent
Assumed office January 6, 2019
Preceded by	Charleta Tavares
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 26th district
In office January 6, 2015 – December 31, 2018
Preceded by	Tracy Maxwell Heard
Succeeded by	Erica Crawley
Columbus City Councilmember
In office April 16, 2007 – December 31, 2014
Preceded by	Patsy Thomas
Succeeded by	Jaiza Page
Personal details
Born	(1949-07-01) July 1, 1949 (age 75) U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Linda Craig
Children	4
Residence(s)	Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Alma mater	Central Michigan University (MS)
Website	https://craig4ohio.com/
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1970 - 1972
Unit	United 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

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

Source:^[5]

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

Electoral history

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