Gail Pavliga

Gail Pavliga is a Republican who served as a state representative in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represented Ohio's 72nd House District, which encompasses nearly all of Portage County. She served in this position from January 3, 2023, to January 9, 2025.

Prior to her election to the state house, Pavliga was deeply involved in her community through various roles, including serving as a Sunday school teacher, host volunteer family for the Alliance Area Ulster Project, and supporter of recreational and community sports teams. She also served as a member and past Vice President of the Portage County Republican Women's Club. She worked as a counselor and adjunct professor at Malone University and established herself as an entrepreneur, building a small business and counseling practice. Pavliga has lived and worked in Portage County for 30 years with her husband Frank. They raised two children, Katie and Steve, both of whom graduated from Waterloo High School.

Education

Pavliga holds advanced degrees in psychology and counseling:

• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Akron
• Master's Degree in Individual/Family Studies/Counseling from Kent State University
• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology/Science from Kent State University

She worked as a college professor for over twenty years.

Political Experience

Pavliga first ran for State Representative in 2020 for the 75th District, running unopposed in the primary. She defeated incumbent Democrat Randi Clites in the general election with 51.1% of the vote, serving in the 75th District from January 4, 2021, to December 31, 2022. She was subsequently elected to represent the 72nd District, serving her second term from 2023 to 2025.