Biography
Catherine Allison Russo, born on October 15, 1976, is an American healthcare consultant and Democratic politician from Ohio. She currently serves as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 7th district, which includes Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, and portions of Columbus. Prior to her tenure in the legislature, Russo spent over two decades advising government leaders and policymakers on healthcare financing and care delivery for seniors, vulnerable populations, veterans, and military families. She is also a passionate advocate for women and families, actively participating in various local civic and service organizations.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Doctor of Public Health in Health Policy from The George Washington University
- Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Political Experience:
- Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2018, representing the 24th district
- Re-elected in 2020, increasing her vote share to 58%
- Redistricted to the 7th district, re-elected in 2022 and 2024, running uncontested in both elections
- Served as House Minority Leader from January 2022 to June 2025
- Ranking Member on the Health Committee
- Member of the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee, Finance Committee, and Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee
- Co-Chair of the bipartisan Legislative Children’s Caucus
- Policy Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus
- Ranking Member for the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee and the House Rules and Reference Committee
- Serves on the Legislative Service Commission, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Ohio Advisory Committee, and the State Council on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
- Advocate for healthcare access, public health and safety, and financial security for family caregivers and aging adults
- Recipient of state and national awards for work on mental health, early childhood, aging, and disability issues
- Announced stepping down from leadership role in June 2025 to focus on policy work and serving her district
