Cecil Thomas

Background

Thomas was born in rural northern Alabama and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio at a young age.

Career

After high school, he joined the Cincinnati police cadet program, and served the city of Cincinnati as a police officer for the next 27 years. In 2014, Thomas decided to make a run for the Ohio Senate, where Senator Eric Kearney was term-limited and could not run for another term. He was one of numerous Democrats to vie for the nomination, including Dale Mallory, who many saw as a frontrunner.

However, Thomas defeated Winburn 56%-44%.

Achievements

• In 2005, following his retirement from the police force, Thomas ran and won election to Cincinnati City Council, where he would serve for the next 8 years. He won the primary, and go on to face Charlie Winburn, another viable opponent, however this time Republican.