Stephanie Kunze

Stephanie Kunze is an American politician who has served in the Ohio General Assembly, representing constituents on the western side of Franklin County and surrounding areas. She is a member of the Republican Party. Born on July 4, 1970, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kunze has lived in Ohio for more than two decades and resides in Dublin with her husband, Matt. They have two daughters, Hannah and Abigail. Kunze is known for her advocacy on issues related to education, small business, health care, and human trafficking, and she has been active in local community and chamber-of-commerce organizations.

Education

Stephanie Kunze earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She is religiously affiliated with the Lutheran denomination.

Political Experience

Stephanie Kunze began her public service on the Hilliard City Council, where she was elected in 2009. She later served in the Ohio House of Representatives for the 24th District from 2013 to 2016, winning election in 2012 and re‑election in 2014. In 2016 she was elected to the Ohio Senate, representing the 16th Senate District, which includes portions of Franklin County and all of Madison and Pickaway Counties. She served two terms in the Ohio Senate from 2017 to 2024.

During her legislative career, Kunze chaired or co‑chaired the Infant Mortality Commission and the Children’s Trust Fund Board, and she was active in the Children’s Caucus. She sponsored or championed legislation aimed at reducing infant mortality, supporting small businesses and workers, and expanding protections for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. Among her notable legislative accomplishments are measures that helped trafficking survivors expunge records and gain certificates of qualification for employment, as well as increased penalties for crimes related to prostitution, domestic violence, and hazing on college campuses. She has received several legislative honors, including awards for domestic violence advocacy and public transit support.