Chris Redfern was appointed Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party in December of 2005. He was elected to a full four year term in late 2006.  Since his appointment, Chairman Redfern has focused on building an 88 county statewide party with the capability to win across the state.  Redfern's 88 county strategy has been recognized by the Democratic National Committee and dozens of national publications. His hard work paid dividends on election night when the Ohio Democratic Party made history, shattering sixteen years of Republican rule and electing a Democratic U.S. Senator, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer. Democrats won at every level, including a seven seat pick up in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Prior to serving as Party Chair, Redfern was the Democratic Leader in the Ohio House from 2002 to 2006, where his energy and passion for progressive public policy made him a prominent bipartisan player. Under his leadership, House Democrats also picked up four new seats on Election Night 2004 - the largest gain at that time in over 20 years.  Since his arrival in the State Legislature in 1999, Redfern has fought to protect the environment and Ohio’s greatest natural resource, Lake Erie. He has also been a powerful voice for Ohio’s families and a leader on issues ranging from school funding to health care reform.

For his leadership and vision, his commitment to social justice and his willingness to fight for all Ohioans, Chris has received honors from many business and labor organizations. He also has received several awards, including the Myrl H Shoemaker Award, and was selected as the 2004 Citizen of the Year by the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Redfern is active in several prominent national organizations including as Executive Committee member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Vice-President of the Midwestern Region of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. Before his tenure in Columbus, Redfern was an Ottawa County Commissioner, breaking the record for the youngest in the state when his term began in 1993.

Redfern, whose legislative district includes Ottawa and Erie Counties, attended Bowling Green State University where he earned both a Bachelor’s Degree and then his Master’s Degree in state and local government. In 2004 he received the BGSU Accomplished Graduate Award.

Chairman Redfern lives on Catawba Island with his fiancé Kim Kahlert and their two Labrador retrievers.

Contact Information

Ohio Democratic Party

271 E. State St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-221-6563
1-877-OHIO-DEM (toll-free)
614-221-0721 (fax)

http://www.paintohioblue.com

Cleveland Plain Dealer/Mark Kaymik - February 11, 2007 - excerpts

Last week, ODP Chair Chris Redfern was appointed to the Democratic National Committee's Executive Committee.  This position will enable Chair Redfern to have more say in Ohio's 2008 presidential politics.  As Chair Redfern stated, he hopes the Democratic presidential nominee will listen to Ohio's political leaders.

According to Chair Redfern:  "We want to be viewed by all would-be presidential nominees as a welcoming state with strong resources.  But they won't be able to just push us aside this time.  With incumbent governors, you have state parties that are far more powerful."

Congratulations Chair Redfern!