Tina Maharath

Tina Maharath is a Democratic state senator representing Ohio's 3rd Senate District in Central Ohio. Born on November 30, 1990, in Whitehall, Ohio, she was raised in the state by parents who fled Laos during the Secret War, spending years in refugee camps before immigrating to the United States in search of freedom.

Maharath made history in 2020 when she became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Ohio Senate. Her unexpected victory in 2018 came as an upset, as she defeated well-funded Republican opponent Anne Gonzalez despite receiving no endorsement from the Ohio Democratic Party or the Franklin County Democratic Party. She won her initial race by approximately 705 votes.

She has two children: Phetsavath Teng Maharath and Davis Maharath.

Education

Maharath earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Law, Justice, and Culture.

Political Experience

Throughout her tenure in the Ohio Senate, Maharath has focused on supporting underserved families and youth. Her legislative priorities include:

• Closing the pay gap and strengthening pregnancy accommodations
• Advancing anti-discrimination standards
• Promoting fair school funding
• Allocating resources to public services
• Advocating for paid family leave
• Supporting universal pre-K programs
• Increasing mental health service investments

Before her election to the Senate, Maharath worked as a workforce analyst and financial services professional. She is deeply engaged in community service, volunteering with organizations including Legacies of War, the Ohio Asian American Health Coalition, Community Refugee Immigration Services, the Community Shelter Board, and Asian American Community Services. She also serves as chairman of the Columbus Asian Festival Volunteer Committee and as an advisory board member for the Lao Volunteer Donation Association.