Veronica Sims Begins Ohio House Term

New St Rep Veronica Sims (center) was sworn in by Senator Dr. Vernon Sykes and assisted by her beautiful family (left to right): Attorney Bridjette Hairston (niece), Quintin Sims (husband), Qyra Sims (daughter), and Ohio  Senator Dr. Vernon Sykes.

(Columbus, OH)  – Ohio House Democrats announced the swearing-in of Veronica Sims (D - Akron) to represent Ohio’s 33rd House District, after the resignation of State Rep. Tavia Galonski , who was appointed the City of Akron Clerk of Courts.

            Surrounded by husband Quintin Sims,  daughter Qyra Sims, and neice Attorney Bridjette Hairston, Veronica  took the oath of office from Ohio Senator Dr. Vernon Sykes. Dr Sykes was the first African American elected as State Representative (33rd District).

            She became the fifth African American  and the fourth woman to represent the 33rd District in the Ohio House of Representatives.

“District 33 has been my home for my entire life and I am honored to have been selected for this position,’ said Sims. “ I promise to deliver substantive and positive change for my constituents and the people of Ohio.

“I want to thank Leader Russo and the House Minority Caucus for putting their faith in me. As well as my predecessor, former Rep. Galonski, who served our district with passion and integrity. I hope to carry on this legacy,” said Rep. Sims.

            A proud product of Akron Public Schools, Rep. Sims earned her Master of Public Administration and Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Political Science from the University of Akron.  She served on the Akron Public School Board and as  a Alron City  Councilwoman at Large.

As a steadfast advocate in her community, she has held multiple leadership positions throughout her career in public service. These positions include Executive Director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, Director of Outreach and Community Development for Community Action Akron Summit, Regional Facility Manager for Adult Services for Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board,  Representative on Summit County Council, and president of the Black Elected Officials of Summit County.

            As the first African American female member to be elected Vice President and later President of Summit County Council, Rep. Sims has piloted multiple successful community driven initiatives that address local issues such as gun violence, infant mortality, police accountability, small business development, and institutional racism. 

            In addition to her public service, Rep. Sims is the Community Outreach Specialist for Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Rep. Sims and her husband reside in Akron, Ohio and are proud parents of a University of Akron graduate. 

            Leader Russo welcomed Rep. Sims to the Ohio House Minority Caucus saying “I am thrilled to welcome Rep. Sims to the House Minority Caucus. She brings a wealth of experience on crucial issues facing Ohio communities.

“Throughout Rep. Sims extensive career in public service she has put people first, and I know she will continue to do so in this role.” said Leader Russo.

            Rep. Sims’ committee assignments will be announced in the coming days.