Theresa Gavarone

Theresa Gavarone is an American attorney, politician, and businesswoman currently serving as a member of the Ohio Senate representing the 2nd district. A member of the Republican Party, Gavarone was first appointed to the Senate in 2019, following her tenure in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2016 to 2019. Throughout her political career, she has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has held significant committee positions within the Ohio General Assembly.

Early life and career

Theresa Gavarone was born on June 30, 1966, in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her secondary education at Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio. Following high school, she pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University. Gavarone continued her academic journey by obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, graduating in 1994.

After completing her legal education, Gavarone began her professional career as an attorney in Bowling Green, Ohio. In addition to her legal practice, she co-owns and operates Mr. Spots Philadelphia Steak Sandwich, a restaurant in Bowling Green, alongside her husband, Jim. Gavarone's involvement in local governance began with her election to the Bowling Green City Council, where she served two full terms after being elected in 2013 and again in 2015. Her experience in local government provided her with a foundation for her subsequent political career at the state level.

Legislative service

Gavarone's entry into state politics occurred in 2016 when she was selected to fill the vacancy left by Tim Brown in the Ohio House of Representatives. Brown's departure was due to his appointment with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. Following a vetting process by Speaker Cliff Rosenberger and the House Republican Caucus, Gavarone was appointed to complete Brown's term and was also placed on the ballot for a full term beginning in 2017. She was officially seated in the House on August 2, 2016, and subsequently won elections for full terms in both 2016 and 2018. During her time in the House, Gavarone served as vice chair of the House Health Committee, where she contributed to discussions and decisions regarding health-related legislation.

In 2019, Gavarone transitioned to the Ohio Senate after Randy Gardner was appointed as chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, leading to his resignation from the Senate. Gavarone promptly announced her intention to seek the appointment to fill Gardner's seat. On February 6, 2019, she was unanimously approved by the Senate Republican Caucus and officially sworn in as a member of the Senate.

Upon her appointment, Gavarone took on the role of vice chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee at the beginning of the 133rd General Assembly. Throughout her legislative career, she has sponsored various bills, including one in June 2019 aimed at banning synthetic urine. In 2021, in response to a series of Democratic victories in Ohio Supreme Court races, she proposed legislation to require the party affiliation of state supreme court judicial candidates to be listed on ballots.

During the 134th General Assembly, Gavarone was assigned to several important committees, including serving as chair of the Local Government and Elections Committee and vice chair of the Finance Committee. She was also a member of the Judiciary Committee, Small Business & Economic Opportunity Committee, and the Rules & Reference Committee. In addition to her committee assignments, Gavarone held several special appointments, including chairing the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review and serving as vice chair of the Ohio Ballot Board. Her involvement in these committees and special appointments reflects her active engagement in legislative processes and governance.

In 2022, Gavarone sought to expand her political influence by running as a Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th congressional district in the 2022 election. However, she placed third in the primary held on May 3, 2022, losing to J.R. Majewski, who gained attention for his unconventional campaign tactics.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Ohio Senate, Gavarone has focused on various policy areas, particularly those related to education, local governance, and economic opportunity. Her role as vice chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee indicates her commitment to addressing issues within the state's educational framework. Gavarone's legislative initiatives often reflect her background in law and business, as she seeks to promote policies that support economic growth and community development.

Gavarone represents the 2nd district of Ohio, which encompasses a diverse range of communities and constituents. Her engagement with local issues is informed by her previous experience on the Bowling Green City Council, where she developed an understanding of the needs and concerns of her constituents. Throughout her legislative career, Gavarone has aimed to balance the interests of her district with broader state and national issues, navigating the complexities of governance while advocating for policies that align with her party's values.

Gavarone's political journey has not been without controversy. She co-sponsored House Bill 6, a significant energy law that has been linked to a major corruption scandal in Ohio. This legislation, which authorized a substantial financial bailout for nuclear plants, has drawn scrutiny and criticism due to its association with a bribery scheme involving prominent political figures and the FirstEnergy Corporation. While Gavarone has not faced charges related to this scandal, her involvement in the legislation and the campaign contributions she received from FirstEnergy have raised questions about the influence of corporate interests in state politics.

In her personal life, Gavarone is married and has three children. Her full name is Theresa Charters Gavarone. As of the 2023-2025 legislative session, she has voted absentee, indicating her ongoing participation in the political process despite the challenges posed by her busy career and family life. Through her various roles and responsibilities, Gavarone continues to play a significant part in shaping the legislative landscape of Ohio.