Ashley Bryant Bailey Selected to Represent Ohio’s 26th House District

Ashley Bryant Bailey Selected to Represent Ohio's 26th House District

In recent news from the Statehouse, Ashley Bryant Bailey has been selected to fill the vacancy left by former Representative Sedrick Denson in Ohio’s 26th House District. Her appointment marks a positive step forward for the district, bringing in a leader known for her collaborative spirit, deep community roots, and commitment to delivering real results.

Bailey is expected to be sworn in during the next Ohio House session, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1. She is anticipated to receive a full vote of support as she officially steps into the role and prepares to represent her constituents at the Statehouse in Columbus.

A proud Cincinnati native, Bailey is a graduate of Walnut Hills High School and the University of Cincinnati, both institutions that have helped shape her strong foundation in public service and civic engagement. Ashley has spent her career at the intersection of politics, storytelling, and community. She has gained valuable experience over her career with her impactful work spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including leadership roles at P&G and national political campaigns.

Currently, Bailey works with Higher Heights for America, a political action committee dedicated to supporting Black women running for elected office. Her work there has been instrumental in increasing representation and amplifying voices often left out of the political conversation.

Bailey’s appointment has drawn praise from fellow lawmakers and community leaders alike. According to House Minority Leader Rep. Dani Isaacsohn of Cincinnati, “Ashley is an extremely well-respected public servant with deep roots in Cincinnati and an impressive resume as a changemaker across the country. House Democrats are excited for Ashley to join our caucus in Columbus and for what she will do for the people of Cincinnati.”

With a reputation for building coalitions and getting things done, Ashley Bryant Bailey is well-prepared to hit the ground running for Ohio’s 26th District. As she heads to Columbus in just a few short weeks, Bailey is bringing with her a commitment to making government work better for all Ohioans.

Join Our

Mailing List

Sign up for first access to the latest news, updates, and events. Please check your email to confirm your sign up.

Anne C. Sesler

Director of Public Affairs

Anne Sesler brings more than twenty years’ experience in public affairs consulting to Government Strategies Group. Anne works with local elected officials, state legislators, reporters and community leaders on behalf of corporate and non-profit clients developing community outreach and engagement strategies, conducts media relations, builds grassroots support for projects, and conducts communication with stakeholders and legislators.

Anne lends her public policy and political communication experience beyond GSG to her role as Vice Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party. Over the years, she’s offered political counsel to both state and local campaigns, including Preschool Promise, Ohio Jobs and Growth (the casino ballot initiative), United for Jobs and Ohio’s Future (Third Frontier), and many others. Anne lives in Mt. Lookout with her husband, Bryan.

Focus areas: 

  • Local government relations
  • Coalition building
  • Media relations and communications
  • Crisis communications

Driven by:

  • Making Cincinnati a better place for all

In the community:

  • Leadership Cincinnati Class 47
  • Cincinnati Planning Commission member
  • Lunken Airport Oversight and Advisory Board Chair
  • Cincinnati Democratic Committee Co-Chair
  • Hamilton County Democratic Party, Vice Chair
  • Mt. Lookout Community Council member

Charles “Chip” Gerhardt

President & CEO

Chip Gerhardt has made government affairs, economic development, and issue advocacy his life’s work. He’s worked for decades in the public and private sectors, and advocated at the local, state, and federal levels of government. In 2007, he used that experience to found Government Strategies Group, a full-service government relations firm. At GSG, he works directly with clients, helping them navigate the complicated intersection of politics, public policy, and business.

In his many years in public policy, Chip has been involved in significant policies including; creation of tax increment financing districts, the Clean Ohio program, Cincinnati City Center Development Corporation, and most importantly, the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. He has also been at the forefront of some of the biggest developments in Greater Cincinnati, including the Horseshoe (now Hard Rock) Casino, TQL Stadium for FC Cincinnati, parking garage structures at The Banks, and the redevelopment of the @580 building. Rarely is there a public policy endeavor in Cincinnati that does not involve GSG.

Chip received his B.B.A in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame and his Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law. He lives in Anderson Township with his wife Jane. Son Charlie is a local chef and children Hank and Anne have completed their education and started lives of their own.

Focus areas:

  • State and local government relations
  • Economic development
  • Issue advocacy

Driven by:

  • A lifelong interest in the political system has driven Chip to a career in public policy and politics. As a parent of three, one with Down syndrome, has compelled him to promote public policies designed to help others. Whether it is enabling financial independence for people with disabilities, advancing funding for housing families facing homelessness, or assisting with economic development projects, Chip involves himself in things that make a positive difference. 

In the community:

  • Hamilton County Board of Elections member
  • Current Board Member for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, People Working Cooperatively, Corporation for Findlay Market, goVibrant, and the African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Chairman of the Board for the National Down Syndrome Society
  • Former board member of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati Magazine’s 300 of the Region’s Most Powerful Business Leaders, 2021-2022
  • Cincy Magazine Power 100, 2011-2022