Senator Tom Patton Endorses Mike Dovilla for Ohio Senate

COLUMBUS, OHIO—State Senator Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) today announced his enthusiastic support for State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) to succeed him in 24th State Senate District.

“Mike Dovilla is the best person for the job. He is experienced and battle tested. He understands the challenges and opportunities Ohio will face over the next eight years,” said Senator Patton. “Mike and I share a lot of the same values – hard work, honesty, and integrity. We care about our youth, our seniors, our veterans, and our workers. We both grew up in working class families with public service in our blood. My father, brother, and son were police officers and Mike serves our country in the U.S. Navy. Mike Dovilla will be an outstanding State Senator for Northeast Ohio, and I am proud to support him.”

“I am honored and humbled to have the endorsement and support of Senator Tom Patton. It has been a pleasure to serve as his legislative partner for southwest Cuyahoga County during the past five years,” said Representative Dovilla. “One of our region’s most beloved community leaders, Tom offers a tremendous example for me to follow in the Senate. His many years of exemplary public service to the citizens of the 24th Senate District, Greater Cleveland, and state of Ohio have improved the lives of countless people.”

Senator Tom Patton, the Senate Majority Floor Leader, has served with distinction in the Ohio legislature since 2003. In his effort to attract and retain good jobs in the Cleveland-area, Sen. Patton has worked to expand access to higher education, invest in high-tech research and development, and to lower taxes. Over the years, Sen. Patton has been recognized and honored by a diverse group of organizations and advocates. A widower, he raised his family of five daughters and one son in his hometown of Strongsville and has been blessed with seven grandchildren.

Representative Mike Dovilla, the House Majority Whip, is an accomplished state legislator, U.S. Navy veteran, small business owner, and adjunct professor. He has served as an appointee of President George W. Bush, an advisor to U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich, and a Presidential Management Fellow. He is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and continues to serve as a lieutenant commander in Navy. Rep. Dovilla holds a Master of Public Administration from American University and Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University. An engaged citizen, volunteer, and mentor, he resides in his hometown of Berea.

The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2016.