About Susan Manchester

I believe that government works best when it trusts the power of people and communities to create opportunities, support each other, and look out for each other. From growing up on my family’s farm and attending a rural public school, to working in the halls of Congress and in the non-profit sector, to serving as your State Representative in Columbus, I have seen this at every stage of my life.

My story starts just outside of Waynesfield, Ohio where I was born and raised. It was there I first experienced the power of community investment and support. I saw how people celebrated each other’s successes and mourned each other’s losses. As I ventured to new places, I became exceedingly grateful to have been rooted in such a supportive system.

I attended The Ohio State University, earning degrees in Psychology and Political Science. I found my community there in Campus Crusade for Christ and invested my time mentoring other young women and developing leadership skills.

After graduating from Ohio State in 2010, I chose to do an internship with Campus Crusade for Christ in Venezuela. I led a team of fellow American college-graduates in establishing an organization at a Venezuelan University and ministered to a local indigent orphanage to help serve the needs of small children.

Once back in the US, I headed to Washington DC in 2011 to work for the people of Ohio through Congressman Jim Jordan’s office. I had the opportunity to advance policies I cared about most while in Washington: preserving the agriculture industry, repealing and replacing Obamacare, advocating for business, supporting local control of education, and defending the right to life.

At the same time, I saw the disconnect in Washington that has frustrated so many Ohioans. I saw the breakdown between the people’s interests and the government’s interests. I saw how little those in Washington understood about the values and lifestyle of the people in West Central Ohio.

After almost five years in Washington, I came home to reinvest in my community. I led local efforts that helped achieve victories for the Republican Party and President Trump. I then took a position with a non-profit organization focused on mentoring kids. Today, my husband, Isaac, and I live on a small farm outside of Waynesfield.

I was humbled by the support I received leading to my first election to the General Assembly in 2018. During my time in the legislature, I have chaired the House Families, Aging, and Human Services Committee, and also served as a member of the House Health Committee and House Primary and Secondary Education Committee. 

I’m also particularly proud to have served as the Co-Vice Chair of the Ohio Legislative Children Caucus, where our work was focused on the protection and safety of Ohio’s children. I helped create the Ohio Youth and Family Ombudsman Office, which provides a layer of security and accountability for Ohio’s children. My work as an advocate for Ohio’s children has been recognized statewide. In 2022, I was honored by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio with the Legislator of the Year Award and was recognized as a Champion of Children by the Ohio Children’s Alliance. 

Throughout my time in the statehouse, I have introduced and passed several important bills that addressed the needs of our area. Notably, the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program, which helps assist one generation of farmers to the next as agricultural assets are rented and sold and ultimately fosters a strong agricultural presence in the state. I also closed a dangerous loophole in Ohio law by expanding the Ohio Revised Code to criminalize the use or manipulation of a controlled substance addiction as a method of human trafficking.

This is my story. But I’m here to represent you and be your voice in Columbus. I would love to hear yours.

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your values matter.