Randy Gardner (politician)

Randall L. Gardner (born 1958) is an American politician. He formerly served as a Republican member of the Ohio Senate, serving the 2nd District from 2013–2018. He formerly held the same district from 2001 to 2008, and was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1985 to 2000, and from 2008 to 2012. In January 2019 Governor Mike Dewine appointed Gardner as the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.[1]

For other people named Randy Gardner, see Randy Gardner.

Randy Gardner
Majority Leader of the Ohio Senate
In office
January 3, 2017 – February 6, 2019
Preceded byTom Patton
Succeeded byMatt Huffman
Member of the Ohio Senate
from the 2nd district
In office
January 1, 2013 – February 6, 2019
Preceded byMark Wagoner
Succeeded byTheresa Gavarone
In office
January 1, 2001 – January 9, 2008
Preceded byBob Latta
Succeeded byMark Wagoner
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives
from the 6th district
In office
January 10, 2008 – December 31, 2012
Preceded byBob Latta
Succeeded byTim Brown
In office
December 5, 1985 – December 31, 2000
Preceded byRobert Brown
Succeeded byBob Latta
Personal details
Born (1958-08-20) August 20, 1958
Bowling Green, Ohio, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationBowling Green State University (BA, MA)

Life and career

Gardner first entered Ohio politics in 1985, when he was appointed to a seat vacated by former State Representative Robert Brown. He went on to serve 7 more full terms in the House, until being term limited in 2000.

With State Senator Bob Latta not running for reelection to his seat, Gardner decided to run in 2000. He did, and in 2001, took his seat in the upper chamber. He quickly rose in the ranks, and served as president pro-tempore for the 125th General Assembly. In 2004, he faced weak opposition, and once again won his senate bid. He served as majority leader for the 126th General Assembly and the 127th General Assembly.

With then-Senate President Doug White facing term limits, Gardner and Senator Jeff Jacobson were looked at as two potential successors. However, by the end of 2003, Gardner had withdrawn as a candidate, citing the desire to eliminate uncertainty in the caucus.[2] Soon after, Jacobson in early 2004 became associated with a lobbying scandal, and Gardner once again emerged as a potential contender. In late summer 2004, he once again withdrew, and gave his support to Bill Harris, who went on to become president.

Gardner made it evident half way through 2007 that he intended to run for his old House seat in 2008, when he faced term limits in the Senate. However, when Congressman Paul Gillmor was found dead in his Washington D.C. area apartment, Gardner was mentioned as a potential successor, but on September 17, 2007, Gardner stated he was staying in the state legislature.[3] When Bob Latta ended up winning the congressional race to succeed Gillmor, Latta's 6th District Ohio House seat became vacant. Gardner therefore resigned his Senate seat and was appointed early to the seat he was running for in the fall. He was subsequently placed as ranking member of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Finance Committee.

Return to the Ohio Senate

In 2012, Mark Wagoner opted to not run again for the 2nd District, opening up the election. Gardner again opted to switch chambers, and ultimately won his former district with 58.66% of the vote over Democrat Jeff Bretz.

Committee assignments
  • Finance: Education Sub.--Chair
  • Education
  • Rules & Reference
  • Health & Human Services
  • Energy and Natural Resources

Electoral history
Election results[4]
Year Office Election Percentage for Gardner Opponent Party %
1986 Ohio House of Representatives General 61.5% Joyce Kepke Democrat 39.5%
1988 General 70.5% William Fischer Democrat 29.5%
1990 General 63.9% Kathleen Steingraber Democrat 36.1%
1992 General 68.6% John Sinn Democrat 31.4%
1994 General 75.58% Bruce Purdy Democrat 24.42%
1996 General 65.93% Antonio Yap Democrat 34.07%
1998 General 72.43% Kurt Young Democrat 27.57%
2000 Ohio Senate General 100% Unopposed
2004 General 62.27% Nathan Nickens Democrat 37.73%
2008 Ohio House of Representatives General 61.97% Jeffery Bretz Democrat 38.03%
2010 General 66.61% Jackie Brown Democrat 33.39%
2012 Ohio Senate General 58.66% Jeffery Bretz Democrat 41.34%
2016 General 66.6% Kirk Halliday Democrat 33.4%

References
  1. Provance, Jim (January 10, 2019). "Gardner picked as higher ed chancellor". Toledo Blade. Archived from the original on January 28, 2019. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  2. Baus, C (December 20, 2003). "Gardner quits quest to be next Ohio Senate leader". Buckeye Firearms Association. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  3. Gardner Passes on Congressional Race
  4. Ohio Secretary of State, Election Results 1986–2012
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