Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted Biography

As Ohio's 53rd Secretary of State, Jon Husted brings a strong record of leadership and a unique breadth of experience to the office.

Husted was first elected to the legislature in 2000. In 2005 -2008, Husted's colleagues honored him by electing him Speaker of the Ohio House.

As speaker, Jon Husted was instrumental in passing the most fiscally conservative budget in 40 years, that included an overhaul of the state tax code and the largest income tax cut in Ohio's history. Jon believes Ohio must invest its limited resources in areas that will grow the state economy, as well as keep taxes low and regulations in-check to be competitive for maintaining and attracting jobs. As the custodian of business filings, Secretary Husted is committed to ensuring an employer's first interaction with the state of Ohio is positive – free from red tape and bureaucratic delays that cost time and profit.

In 2008, Husted was elected to continue his legislative work as a member of the Ohio Senate where he was a leading advocate for election, campaign finance and redistricting reform. Secretary Husted's highest priority will be to work with local election boards to improve how we run elections in Ohio, ensuring a fair, transparent and efficient process in which all voters can be confident.

Raised in Montpelier Ohio, Husted attended the University of Dayton (UD), where he earned All-American Defensive Back honors as a member of the 1989 Division III National Championship football team. After receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees from UD, Husted stayed in the Dayton area and worked for the Montgomery County Commissioners and later as Vice President of Business and Economic Development at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

With all of his responsibilities, however, Secretary Husted considers his most important roles as that of husband to his wife Tina and father to his children, Alex, Katie and Kylie.

Jon Husted's Key Goals for the Ohio Secretary of State's Office

• Provide leadership that builds trust and confidence in Ohio's system of elections through consistent and timely policy directives, just arbitration of disputes and enhanced services to voters and county boards of election.

• Enhance economic growth and job creation using technology and customer service practices that save businesses time and money.