Cecil Thomas (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cecil Thomas
Thomas in 2011
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 25th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 1, 2023
Preceded by	Dontavius Jarrells
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 9th district
In office January 6, 2015 – December 31, 2022
Preceded by	Eric Kearney
Succeeded by	Catherine Ingram
Member of the Cincinnati City Council
In office 2006–2014
Personal details
Born	(1952-10-21) October 21, 1952 (age 71) Alabama, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Residences	Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Education	University of Cincinnati (BS) Union Institute & University (BS)

Cecil L. Thomas (born October 21, 1952) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who served as a member of the Ohio Senate from the 9th district.

Early life and education

Thomas was born in rural northern Alabama and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio at a young age. He graduated from Withrow High School. In 1974, Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement technology from the University of Cincinnati. He later earned another Bachelor of Science degree, in criminal justice management, from the Union Institute & University.

Career

After high school, he joined the Cincinnati police cadet program, and served the city of Cincinnati as a police officer for the next 27 years. In 2005, following his retirement from the police force, Thomas ran and won election to Cincinnati City Council, where he served for the next eight years.

In 2014, Thomas declared his candidacy for the Ohio Senate. Incumbent Eric Kearney was term-limited and could not run for another term. He was one of numerous Democrats to vie for the nomination, including Dale Mallory, who many saw as a frontrunner. He won the primary, and go on to face Charlie Winburn, another viable opponent, however this time Republican. However, Thomas defeated Winburn 56%-44%. Cecil was a candidate for the 2021 Cincinnati mayoral election, placing third in a field of six candidates.