Tom Roberts (Ohio politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Roberts
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| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 5th district |
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| In office January 9, 2002 – February 28, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Rhine McLin |
| Succeeded by | Fred Strahorn |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 39th district |
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| In office January 8, 1986 – December 31, 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Ed Orlett |
| Succeeded by | Fred Strahorn |
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| Political party | Democratic |
Tom Roberts is an Ohio Democratic politician. He used to be a member of the Ohio General Assembly, which is like the state's parliament. He has also been a leader in the NAACP, a group that works for civil rights.
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Tom Roberts' Career in Government
Tom Roberts has had a long career serving the people of Ohio. He worked in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the State Senate.
Serving in the Ohio House
In 1986, Tom Roberts first joined the Ohio House of Representatives. This happened when the previous representative, Ed Orlett, left his job. House Democrats chose Roberts to finish Orlett's term.
Later that year, Roberts won an election to keep his seat. He was re-elected two more times, in 1988 and 1990.
In 1992, Ed Orlett tried to get his old job back. He ran against Roberts in the Democratic primary election. However, Roberts won that election. He was then re-elected again in 1994 and 1996.
Moving to the State Senate
By 1998, Roberts could not run for the Ohio House again. This was because of term limits, which set a maximum number of terms a person can serve. His former helper, Fred Strahorn, took his place.
Roberts then decided to run for a different job. He wanted to be a Montgomery County Commissioner. But he did not win that election.
In 2001, Rhine McLin became the Mayor of Dayton, Ohio. This meant her seat in the State Senate became empty. Tom Roberts was chosen to fill her spot. In 2002, he won his own election for a full term in the Senate.
He was re-elected in 2006. During his time in the 127th General Assembly, he served as the assistant minority leader. This meant he helped lead the Democratic Party in the Senate.
Working for Civil Rights
By 2009, Tom Roberts could not run for his Senate seat again due to term limits. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland then appointed him to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. This group works to protect people's civil rights.
Because of this new role, Roberts had to leave his Senate job. Fred Strahorn again took his place in the Senate.
Leading the NAACP
Tom Roberts has also been very active with the NAACP. This organization works to ensure equal rights for all people.
First Term as President
On September 9, 2017, Roberts was elected as President of the Ohio Conference NAACP. He was the 2nd Vice President of the Dayton Unit NAACP before this. He won with 68.85% of the votes. His term started that day and ended in September 2019.
Re-election Success
On September 14, 2019, Roberts was re-elected as President of the Ohio Conference NAACP. He won with 87.30% of the votes. His new term lasted until September 2021.
On September 11, 2021, Roberts was re-elected again as President. He won with 55% of the votes.
Most recently, on September 9, 2023, Roberts was re-elected for his fourth two-year term. He ran for this election without anyone running against him.
