State Representative Jon Cross (R-Findlay) is serving his third term in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing northwest Ohio’s 83rd District, which includes Hancock, Hardin, and portions of Logan counties. Rep. Cross currently serves on the Speaker’s leadership team as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader for the 135th General Assembly and is a member of the House Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, and Government Oversight Committees.

Rep. Cross is committed to keeping Ohio safer, stronger, and open for business. He continues to be a legislative leader of statewide economic development, higher education and career readiness policy to support the demand of Ohio businesses large and small, and keeping Ohio competitive by developing the best workforce in America.   

During his time in the Ohio House, Rep. Cross has spearheaded 12 bills that have now been signed into law and secured more than $100 million for local school funding, safety grants, community projects, transportation improvements, and infrastructure funding initiatives for the 83rd District.

Included among Rep. Cross’ legislative accomplishments are two critical pieces of legislation. House Bill 2 created the Techcred and Individual Microcredential Assistance Program, supporting short-term training courses or programs for students in specific industries or to pursue in-demand jobs. House Bill 405 created a financial assistance program to help families adopt children. There are currently over 3,000 Ohio children awaiting adoption.

Rep. Cross also championed a $750 million investment, included in the state operating budget for fiscal years 2024-25, into the All Ohio Future Fund. This fund prepares locations throughout the state to be ready for large-scale development projects, which bring positive economic activity to Ohio by providing incentives to utility providers and creating jobs.

Rep. Cross has always worked to strengthen Ohio’s business climate and advocated for Ohio’s small businesses.  NFIB awarded Rep. Cross the Guardian of Small Business Award, recognizing him for his legislative efforts to support small business issues in the Ohio Legislature. Specifically applauded was Ohio’s Business Fairness Act, House Bill 215, which allows businesses to remain open during the widespread presence of disease as long as they observe safety requirements. Additionally, Rep. Cross was awarded the Ohio Trucking Association “Legislator of the Year” Award and the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education “Legislator of the Year” Award.

Prior to becoming a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Rep. Cross served as the chief executive officer and economic development director for the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance. His career pathway has allowed him to obtain a vast amount of public and private sector work experiences and professional relationships throughout the United States in business, government, non-profit, real estate development, and economic and workforce development. 

Rep. Cross graduated from Kenton High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. He and his wife, Christina Cross, a practicing business attorney, are loving parents of their two young boys, Carson and Connor.