From the Classroom to City Hall
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Greg Landsman’s career began not in politics, but in education as a public school teacher. This experience would become a throughline in his professional life. He earned an undergraduate degree in economics and political science from Ohio University before getting a master's in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. His early work included serving as the Director of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, where he helped community organizations provide food and education programs. Before his first run for office, Landsman led the Preschool Promise, a successful ballot initiative to provide two years of quality preschool for all three- and four-year-olds in Cincinnati.
Making a Mark on Cincinnati
After an unsuccessful bid in 2013, Landsman was elected to the Cincinnati City Council in 2017 and reelected in 2021. During his five years in local government, he focused on what he termed "core services," such as public safety and infrastructure. He was instrumental in passing the largest investment in transportation and infrastructure in Hamilton County's history. Landsman also championed transparency and ethics reform, establishing the city’s first Office of Ethics and Good Government. His tenure wasn't without controversy; in 2018, he was part of a group of five council members who settled a lawsuit over discussing city business via private text messages. Despite this, he built a reputation for focusing on family-centric policies like affordable housing, eviction prevention, and youth employment programs.
The Jump to Congress
In 2022, Landsman challenged and defeated 13-term Republican incumbent Steve Chabot for Ohio's 1st congressional district. The race was closely watched, as redistricting had shifted the district's boundaries to be more favorable to Democrats. Landsman won the election with roughly 53% of the vote, a significant victory for his party in a district that had been reliably Republican for decades. He successfully ran for reelection in 2024, solidifying his position and becoming only the third Democrat since the Civil War to represent a significant portion of Cincinnati for more than one term. His campaigns have focused on lowering costs for families, protecting personal freedoms, and increasing government accountability.
Priorities on the National Stage
In Congress, Landsman has branded himself as a pragmatic and bipartisan leader. He is a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and holds a leadership role in the group. During his first term, he served on the committees for Small Business and Veterans' Affairs. One of his notable early actions was pushing for a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, a bill that had stalled for years and aims to restore benefits to millions of public retirees like police, firefighters, and teachers. He has also been a vocal proponent of banning members of Congress from trading stocks, having sold his own to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Described as a centrist Democrat, his legislative focus often connects back to his roots in education and local advocacy, championing issues like childcare, infrastructure, and support for small businesses.
