Beth Lear (House District 61)

Biography

Beth Lear is a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 61st district, which includes eastern Delaware County and western Knox County. She was first elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. Prior to her legislative career, Lear served as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House, Education Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison for the Buckeye Institute, and Vice President of Government Affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio. She is also a veteran of the Ohio Air National Guard, having served on active duty at the Pentagon during Operation Desert Storm.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in International Relations from The Ohio State University.

• Political Experience:

  • Served as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House.
  • Education Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison for the Buckeye Institute.
  • Vice President of Government Affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio.
  • Served on the Delaware County Republican Central Committee since 2011.
  • Board member for the Delaware County Library, Delaware County Port Authority, and four charter schools.
  • Member of Delaware Bible Church and American Legion Post 457 in Sunbury.

Beth Lear resides in Galena, Ohio, with her husband, Jeff. They have two adult children: Austin, a Petty Officer First Class in the U.S. Navy, and Allison, who works with children in the private sector.