Randy Gardner is a Republican from Bowling Green, Ohio, born on August 20, 1958. He represented Wood County in the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate , serving a total of 33 years without missing a vote, earning the nickname "the Cal Ripken of the state legislature." Gardner held seven leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker Pro Tem, believed to be the all-time Republican record with 19 years in leadership. Appointed Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education in 2019 by Governor DeWine, he oversaw public colleges, technical centers, and state higher education policy until retiring at the end of 2023 after 42 years of public service. He is married to Sandy with three children: Brooks, Christina, and Austin.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. in Education and M.A. in Political Science, both from Bowling Green State University.
• Political Experience: State Committeeman, Ohio Republican Central Committee ; appointed to Ohio House at age 26; chaired Finance Higher Education Subcommittee for eight years; champion for education policy.