Sharon Ray

Political Party: Republican

District: Ohio House District 66

Current Status: Sharon Ray announced in 2026 that she will not seek reelection after serving three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Sharon Ray is an American politician from Wadsworth, Ohio, who has dedicated over five decades to public service in her community. She has lived in the 66th district for more than 50 years and became the first female to hold the state representative seat for this district, which encompasses most of Medina County including the townships of Granger, Guilford, Harrisville, Hinckley, Lafayette, Medina, Montville, Sharon, Wadsworth, and Westfield, along with several municipalities.

Political Experience

Ray's public service career includes multiple elected and appointed positions:

• State Representative: Elected in 2020 after Republican incumbent Steve Hambley decided to run for the Medina County Board of Commissioners. She defeated Democrat Donna Beheydt with 64.8% of the vote and was reelected in 2022 and 2024.

• Committee Roles: Serves as Chairwoman of the House General Government Committee and is a member of the Finance, Energy, and Children and Human Services committees.

• Prior Positions: Served as Medina County Commissioner, Wadsworth City Councilwoman, and Medina County Board of Elections member.

• Additional Service: Held positions on the United Way of Medina County, Red Cross of Medina County, Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, and the Salvation Army of Wadsworth.

Education and Professional Background

Ray began her career at Roadway Express before becoming a Certified Bailiff at the Wadsworth Municipal Court. She later served as Community Services Director and Probation Officer at the municipal court.

Throughout her career, Ray has received numerous recognitions including the Greater Akron Chamber Economic Development Elected Official Award and the YMCA Woman of Distinction Award. She also received appointments to the Statewide Committee on Indigent and Pro Se Litigants and the Farmland Preservation Task Force.

Notable Achievements

During her time in the state legislature, Ray sponsored the Adoption Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill designed to streamline Ohio's adoption process. She also worked to secure funding for the fire training tower at the Medina County Career Center and inclusive playgrounds in Seville and Wadsworth.