Longtime Lakewood Rep Sworn In As Ohio State Senator

COLUMBUS, OH —After serving Lakewood for four terms as an Ohio Representative, Nickie Antonio was sworn into her new role as a state senator on Monday.

“I have had the distinct honor of serving my community for the past eight years and now have the privilege of continuing to do so in the Ohio Senate,” said the newly minted Senator Antonio. “As a champion for good paying jobs, quality education and healthy and safe communities this win is shared by all of our community. This General Assembly, I look forward to continue fighting for good jobs, health care and fairness and equality for all Ohioans."

Besides Lakewood, Antonio's 23rd Senate District, previously held by Michael Skindell, includes Parma, Parma Heights, Brooklyn, Brook Park, Lakewood, Middleburg Heights, Linndale, and parts of Cleveland's west side.

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Antonio is noted for her work on sweeping legislation like the open records law, step therapy reform, and an array of bills in the health policy field. She has worked to pass the Ohio Fairness Act, which would protect LGBT residents from discrimination, and a bill that would end Ohio's use of the death penalty.

The state senator lives in Lakewood, with her wife Jean Kosmac. The couple has two daughters, both graduates of Lakewood High.

Photo from Senator Antonio's Office.