Jerry Cirino
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jerry C. Cirino is a retired medical device company executive serving as a member of the Ohio Senate representing the 18th district. A Republican, he was elected in 2020, defeating Democrat Betsy Rader with 60% of the vote.[1] Prior to his election he served as Lake County Commissioner.[2]
Jerry C. Cirino | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 18th district | |
| Assumed office January 4, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John Eklund |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Donna |
| Alma mater | Lake Erie College (BA), (MBA) |
He received a B.S. in business as well as an M.B.A. from Lake Erie College in Ohio. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He and his wife Donna have nine children.[3]
Cirino has been critical of pro-Palestinian student protesters during the Gaza war protests at Ohio State in 2024[4] and has advocated for Ohio Senate Bill 87—a bill intended add ethnic intimidation charges to pro-Palestinian student protesters charged with disorderly conduct.[5][6]
On January 22, 2025, Cirino introduced Senate Bill 1, also known as the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, in the Ohio Senate,[7] This sweeping higher education overhaul, which mandates the elimination of most diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and forces the closure of identity-focused centers, led to the closure of multiple diversity-related departments and centers across the state's public universities and colleges in 2025 and 2026.[8][9]
