The Honorable Sean J. O’Brien
State Senator Sean J. O’Brien (D-Bazetta) is serving his first term in the Ohio Senate, representing the 32nd District which encompasses Trumbull and Ashtabula Counties and portions of Geauga County. Senator O’Brien previously served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives beginning in 2010.
Senator O’Brien has built his professional career around helping to improve the quality of life for those in his home county. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, he was an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, a position he held for over twelve years. In this position he was the Chief Criminal Prosecutor for Eastern and Central District Courts, a member of the Domestic Violence and O.V.I. Task Forces, and prosecuted over 100 domestic violence cases.
Also a community leader and activist, he founded the Trumbull County Community Foundation, which gave out over $50,000 to local charities in its first year, and has served as its past president. The efforts of this foundation have raised thousands of dollars for seniors, children, and those in need, as well as funding for economic development.
Senator O’Brien uses his free time to serve as a community leader on the boards of Someplace Safe, which works to combat domestic violence in Trumbull County and the surrounding areas; Inspiring Minds, an organization which provides young people with “the opportunities and motivation to overcome the obstacles that stand between them and personal success”; as well as the Youngstown Air Base Council. Additionally, he has proven himself to be a strong advocate for children through his work as guardian ad litem for the children of Trumbull County, and has also been a lecturer for Someplace Safe, local police departments, teen intervention programs, and the Ohio State Patrol. Senator O’Brien is the co-chair of the Ohio Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.
While a member of the House of Representatives, Senator O’Brien served as a member on the Energy & Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Public Utilities Committees. The committee assignments reflected his priorities as well as the concerns of the communities in his district.
Senator O’Brien holds a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, as well as a J.D. from the University of Akron. He and his wife, Maria, live in Bazetta Township, and have two daughters.