Rep. Sedrick Denson, criticized for missing House sessions, OVI, resigns
Ohio Rep. Sedrick Denson, D-Cincinnati, a lawmaker previously criticized for poor attendance, is resigning from his post representing the 26th House District seat, which includes portions of Hamilton County.
The 37-year-old, a lifelong Cincinnati resident, is currently serving his fourth term in office. According to a release, his resignation is effective Friday, Aug. 8.
“This decision has been one of the hardest choices I’ve had to make in my entire life,” Denson said in a statement. “It will forever be one of my greatest honors representing the people of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. I thank them for their support and for believing in me over the years as we worked together to support working families and expand access to education and healthcare.
“While I am stepping down from elected office, my commitment to Ohio and its future remains strong,” Denson added. “My new position will allow me to continue to serve our great state in an exciting new capacity. I wish my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus the best of luck, thank them for their support and commend them for their continued dedication. Ohio’s best days are ahead thanks to their work being done at the Statehouse.”
When reached by The Cincinnati Enquirer, Denson would not disclose what he plans to do next. However, he said he would remain “connected to statewide policy initiatives,” according to the report.
The move isn’t necessarily a surprise, as The Cincinnati Enquirer recently reported that Denson was considering resigning from his $71,100 per year post.
“This is when different opportunities start to come your way,” he told the publication at the time.
In January, the publication reported that the lawmaker missed more than 30% of the House’s voting sessions during the past two years.
“I do take my job serious,” he told the publication. “I am very present in my district, attending to all my constituents’ needs and take my oath very seriously.”
Denson was first elected to the state House in 2018, representing the 33rd House District at the time. He was re-elected in 2020 and subsequently elected to the 26th House District seat in 2022, where he was re-elected in 2024.
According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, Denson’s time in the Ohio House would have ended next year because of term limits.
In 2019, Denson, who lives in the Bond Hill community, was arrested on driving under the influence, felony drug possession and driving on a suspended license charges, according to a Fox 19 report. In a statement in response to the report, he said he “made an error in judgment.”
He subsequently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of counterfeit controlled substance possession and control of a vehicle while under the influence, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
“I want to thank Representative Denson for his service to his district and all of Ohio,” House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, said in a statement. “He is a passionate public servant who believes in Cincinnati and its people. We all wish him the best of luck on his next chapter.”
House Democrats are expected to announce “a screening panel” for filling the vacancy. The full House of Representatives will vote on the appointee.
Denson studied organizational leadership at the University of Cincinnati. After graduating, he worked for the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency as a consumer energy educator and then served as Councilmember Wendell Young’s chief of staff.
The resignation comes as Cincinnati is spiraling amid the fallout from a July 27 street fight in the Queen City’s downtown.
