About

Christine Cockley, candidate for Ohio House District 6, smiling and canvassing in the in the snow

Civic engagement has been a central part of my life from a very early age.

I knew from a young age that public service was my passion. From walking–or being strolled–in parades while my mom ran for Domestic Relations Court Judge in Richland County to attending the local Democratic Party meetings to holding my parents’ hands as they voted to volunteering with my synagogue Temple Emanuel Jacob, I've been service driven my entire life. My passion for civic engagement led me to attend The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs for my undergraduate and graduate education. 

This education helped me to gain experience in the private sector as a human resources specialist, where I developed programming and advocated for employees of Fortune 500 companies to receive better working conditions, especially those with disabilities. I’ve also utilized my Masters in Public Administration to volunteer for local and international-reaching nonprofits. I volunteer for Moderation Management, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption. I also serve on the Board of Highland Youth Garden, a local community garden on the Hilltop, and I currently work for the YWCA Columbus, a non profit dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women through social justice, education, and housing.

Living in the Hilltop, with my partner, two dogs, and our chickens, this district is incredibly important to me. When our most vulnerable neighbors are in need, our State Representative must lead with kindness, understanding, and shared lived experiences. I know that the only way we accomplish our goals and move forward is by working together, even when things get tough. Working for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, in both his official office and 2018 re-election campaign, taught me how important it is to listen to my neighbors with empathy and then lead with concrete action. Our neighbors deserve someone who will not only listen and advocate on their behalf, but also deliver results. I plan to do this when elected. My experience in harm reduction, mental health, and public service allows me to lead with empathy and understanding. It also gives me the expertise and knowledge to ensure I deliver much needed resources to the Westside; resources this community needs more of from the State government.