Tom Roberts (Ohio politician)

Tom Roberts
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 5th district
In office January 9, 2002 – February 28, 2009
Preceded by	Rhine McLin
Succeeded by	Fred Strahorn
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 39th district
In office January 8, 1986 – December 31, 2000
Preceded by	Ed Orlett
Succeeded by	Fred Strahorn
Personal details
Political party	Democratic

Tom Roberts is an Ohio Democratic politician who formerly served as a member of the Ohio General Assembly.

When Ed Orlett resigned from the Ohio House of Representatives in 1986, House Democrats appointed Roberts to serve the remainder of his term. He went on to win election that same November, and again in 1988 and 1990.^{[citation needed]}

In 1992, Roberts was challenged by his predecessor, Ed Orlett, for the Democratic nomination, however Roberts ultimately won the primary election.^[1] He went on to win reelection in 1994, and 1996 as well.

By 1998, term limits did not allow Roberts to seek another term in 2000, and he was succeeded by his former aide, Fred Strahorn. He instead decided to run for Montgomery County Commissioner, but lost in a landslide.^[2]

Following Rhine McLin's victory to become Mayor of Dayton, Ohio, in 2001, her state Senate seat became vacant. As a result, Roberts was appointed to serve the remainder of her term, and went on to win his own full term in 2002.^[3] He won reelection in 2006 and served as assistant minority leader in the 127th General Assembly.

By 2009, Roberts was unable to run again for his Senate seat. As a result, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland appointed Roberts to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. He therefore was required to resign his Senate seat, and was replaced again by Fred Strahorn.^[4]

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On September 9, 2017, the Ohio Conference NAACP held its biennial election with terms commencing on September 9, 2017, and expiring on September 14, 2019. Roberts, 2nd Vice President of the Dayton Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP, was elected to serve as President of the Ohio Conference NAACP. Roberts defeated Arlene Anderson, Secretary of the Cleveland Unit NAACP and received 68.85% of the votes.

On September 14, 2019, the Ohio Conference NAACP held its biennial election with terms commencing on September 14, 2019, and expiring on September 11, 2021. Roberts was re-elected to serve as President of the Ohio Conference NAACP. Roberts defeated Arlean Anderson, of Cleveland, Ohio and received 87.30% of the votes.

On September 11, 2021, Roberts was re-elected as President of the Ohio Conference NAACP. Roberts defeated Joe Mallory, President of the Cincinnati NAACP, and received 55% of the votes.

• Project Vote Smart - Senator Thomas M. 'Tom' Roberts (OH) profile
• Follow the Money - Tom Roberts
  • 2006 2004 2002 2000 1998 1996 campaign contributions