Greg Landsman

Greg Landsman is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 1st congressional district, a position he has held since January 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Landsman represents a district that encompasses most of Cincinnati and its inner suburbs. He entered the U.S. House of Representatives after defeating a long-standing Republican incumbent in the 2022 elections. Prior to his congressional career, Landsman served on the Cincinnati City Council and was involved in various community initiatives focused on education and social services.

Early life and career

Greg Landsman was born on December 4, 1976, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was raised in a Jewish family. His educational journey began at Ohio University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science in 1999. He furthered his education at Harvard Divinity School, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in theological studies in 2004. Following his academic pursuits, Landsman was appointed by then-Governor Ted Strickland to serve as the director of faith-based and community initiatives in 2007. This role allowed him to engage with various community organizations and initiatives aimed at improving social services in Ohio.

Landsman’s professional career included a significant tenure as the executive director of StrivePartnership, an organization focused on improving educational outcomes for children in the Cincinnati area, until December 2015. He later led Preschool Promise, an initiative designed to make two years of preschool accessible to all three- and four-year-olds in Cincinnati. This initiative was notable for its incorporation into a joint levy with Cincinnati Public Schools, which successfully passed in November 2016, reflecting Landsman's commitment to early childhood education.

His political aspirations began with a run for the Cincinnati City Council in 2013, which was unsuccessful. However, he persisted and successfully secured a seat on the council in the 2017 elections. Landsman was re-elected in 2021, during which time he became part of a group of council members known as the "Gang of Five." This group was involved in discussions regarding city governance that led to controversy when their text messages were made public as part of a legal settlement. Despite the scrutiny, no criminal charges were filed against the members.

House tenure

Landsman's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began on January 7, 2023, after he won the election to represent Ohio's 1st congressional district. His election was significant as he defeated long-time Republican incumbent Steve Chabot, who had held the seat for most of the time since 1995. Landsman announced his candidacy in January 2022, and his campaign was part of a broader effort by national Democrats to reclaim the district. He won the election with a notable margin, receiving 53% of the vote compared to Chabot's 47%.

In the 2024 elections, Landsman successfully secured re-election against Republican candidate Orlando Sonza, receiving 55% of the vote. This victory made him one of the few Democrats to represent a substantial portion of Cincinnati for more than one term since the Civil War, underscoring his growing influence in the region.

During his time in the House, Landsman has been active on several committees, including the Small Business Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. His legislative efforts have focused on a range of issues, including transportation safety and veteran support. In March 2023, he supported the bipartisan Rail Act, which aimed to enhance train safety regulations in response to a significant freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. His commitment to supporting small businesses is reflected in his co-sponsorship of the NO BOSS Act in 2024, which encourages states to provide self-employment assistance programs for entrepreneurs.

Legislative focus and committees

Greg Landsman's legislative focus encompasses a variety of issues, particularly those affecting healthcare, law enforcement, and veteran services. In 2023, he introduced the Making Insulin Affordable for All Children Act, which aimed to cap insulin costs for young individuals with private insurance or Medicaid. This initiative highlights his commitment to addressing healthcare affordability, particularly for vulnerable populations.

In 2024, Landsman introduced the Medicare PBM Accountability Act, which seeks to enhance transparency in the pharmaceutical industry by requiring pharmacy benefit managers to disclose their profits and address pricing discrepancies. This legislation reflects his ongoing efforts to reform healthcare and ensure that patients have access to affordable medications.

In addition to healthcare, Landsman has been involved in law enforcement initiatives. He co-introduced the bipartisan Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act in 2023, which proposes allowing law enforcement agencies to utilize federal grants for recruitment and retention bonuses. This legislation is part of a broader effort to support local law enforcement agencies in their staffing and operational needs.

Landsman is also a member of several caucuses, including the New Democrat Coalition, Problem Solvers Caucus, Labor Caucus, Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Congressional Equality Caucus, and Future Forum. These affiliations indicate his engagement with a range of issues, from economic development and labor rights to international relations and social equity.

Throughout his congressional career, Landsman has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in Ohio's 1st congressional district. His legislative initiatives and committee work reflect a focus on improving healthcare access, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community safety. As he continues his service in the House, Landsman remains an active participant in the legislative process, advocating for policies that align with the interests of his constituents and the broader community.