Jessica E. Miranda

Jessica E. Miranda is a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 28th district from 2019 until her resignation in 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, she has also served as the Hamilton County Auditor following her legislative career. Miranda's political journey includes a notable victory over an incumbent in a closely contested election, as well as leadership roles within the Ohio House.

Early life and career

Jessica E. Miranda grew up in Ohio, where she attended Talawanda High School, located near Oxford. Her early life laid the foundation for her future endeavors in both business and politics. Miranda is married to Jose Miranda, and together they have three daughters. This family-oriented background has influenced her perspectives and priorities as a public servant.

In recognition of her professional accomplishments, Miranda was named one of the Cincinnati Business Courier's 40 Under 40 for the year 2022. This accolade highlights her contributions to the business community and her emerging role in local leadership. Her career prior to entering the Ohio legislature included various business ventures, which provided her with insights into the economic challenges and opportunities facing her constituents.

Legislative service

Miranda's political career took a significant turn in the 2018 election when she successfully defeated incumbent Representative Jonathan Dever to secure her seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. This election was particularly notable as it represented a rematch of her previous attempt in 2016, which had not resulted in victory. The 2018 election was characterized by a narrow margin; although Dever initially appeared to be leading on election night, Miranda was ultimately declared the winner after a recount that included the counting of provisional ballots. The final margin of victory was just 56 votes, making it one of the closest state legislative races in Ohio's history.

During her tenure in the Ohio House, Miranda was re-elected in both 2020 and 2022, receiving 51.7% and 52.4% of the votes, respectively. Her electoral success demonstrated her ability to connect with voters and address their concerns effectively. In her second term, she was elected Minority Whip for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, a leadership position that underscored her influence within the party. She held this role until early April 2024.

Miranda was an active member of several caucuses during her time in the legislature. She was part of the Ohio Business First Caucus, which aimed to promote business-friendly policies, and she co-founded the Ohio Gun Violence Prevention Caucus alongside Ohio Senator Cecil Thomas. Her involvement in these groups reflects her commitment to addressing pressing issues within her community.

In addition to her caucus memberships, Miranda served on various committees, including the Committee on Insurance, where she held the position of Ranking Member, as well as the Committees on Rules & Reference, Transportation & Public Safety, and Aviation & Aerospace. These roles allowed her to influence legislation in key areas affecting her constituents and the state of Ohio.

Miranda's legislative career came to an end when she resigned from her position on April 13, 2024. Shortly after her resignation, a significant piece of legislation, House Bill 161, which she co-sponsored, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. This law officially banned all forms of spousal rape in Ohio, marking a notable achievement in her legislative efforts.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her time in the Ohio House of Representatives, Jessica E. Miranda focused on various policy areas that resonated with her constituents in the 28th district. Her work in the Ohio Business First Caucus indicated a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for businesses, which is crucial for economic development and job creation in her district.

Additionally, her co-founding of the Ohio Gun Violence Prevention Caucus highlights her dedication to addressing public safety concerns, particularly in relation to gun violence. This initiative aimed to bring together lawmakers to discuss and promote measures that could reduce gun-related incidents and enhance community safety.

Miranda's district, which includes parts of Hamilton County, is characterized by its diverse population and varying economic needs. As a representative, she aimed to address the unique challenges faced by her constituents, including issues related to education, public safety, and economic opportunity. Her previous experience on the Winton Woods Board of Education, where she served from 2013 to 2018 in various leadership roles, provided her with a strong foundation in educational policy and community engagement. During her time on the board, she received a Community Spirit Award for her contributions to the Winton Woods City School District, further emphasizing her commitment to local issues.

Following her legislative career, Miranda transitioned to the role of Hamilton County Auditor. Her appointment came after the resignation of the previous auditor, Brigid Kelly, who recommended Miranda for the position. Miranda officially took office on April 13, 2024, and was required to run in a special election later that year. She successfully won the election against her Republican opponent, securing approximately 55% of the vote.

In her new role as County Auditor, Miranda has continued to advocate for reforms, particularly in the area of property taxes. In 2025, she joined other County Auditors from Southwest Ohio in calling for legislative action to implement property tax reforms, proposing several initiatives aimed at improving the tax system for residents.

Jessica E. Miranda's career reflects her dedication to public service and her commitment to addressing the needs of her community. Through her legislative work and subsequent role as County Auditor, she has sought to make a positive impact on the lives of those she represents.