Meet Jean

A lifelong resident of Clermont County, Jean Schmidt is the first woman ever elected to represent Southern Ohio in Congress. The diverse Second Congressional District, which includes seven counties, stretches from downtown Cincinnati to the riverside town of Portsmouth in Scioto County.

Congresswoman Schmidt was elected to office to fill the remaining term of former Congressman Rob Portman. Ambassador Portman resigned from the Second Congressional District seat in 2005 after being confirmed as the United State Trade Representative. Congresswoman Schmidt was re-elected in November 2006 to serve a full term in Congress.

Jean serves on Committees that deal with issues that directly impact Southern Ohio. Her assignments include the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Throughout her career, Congresswoman Schmidt has held various public offices and continues to be actively involved in civic and community groups. She served for two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives where the Cincinnati Enquirer described her tenure by saying she “…proved effective in passing legislation to address her district’s concerns.” While serving in the Ohio General Assembly, Schmidt enacted legislation to create jobs, protect Ohio’s children and ensure access to quality healthcare.

Prior to Jean’s election to Ohio’s House of Representatives, she served 10 years as a Miami Township Trustee. She helped Miami Township to become a world-class community by initiating a variety of projects and improvements, including creating a 300 acre first class park system, securing funds for critical transportation improvements, and attracting more than 2,000 high paying jobs in the Township.

Congresswoman Schmidt holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati and her interests include auto racing and long distance running. She has competed in more than 60 marathons and continues to compete across the country. She resides in Miami Township with her husband Peter. They have one grown daughter, Emilie.