Desiree Tims is a lawyer and State Representative serving as the Assistant Minority Whip in the Ohio House of Representatives. Tims began her public policy career working at The White House during President Barack Obama’s first presidential term. Following her time at The White House, Desiree began working on Capitol Hill for United States senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) and served as President of the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus. Years later, Tims found herself deeply unsatisfied with congressional leadership, and would begin her foray into public service in 2020 by running for Congress. Following her campaign, Tims became President & CEO of Innovation Ohio and Innovation Ohio Education Fund. In addition to expanding access to education, Tims also used her position to fight for voting rights and fair districts. Her work with Innovation Ohio also supported women’s bodily autonomy by fighting for abortion rights.  

Currently serving as the Ohio House Assistant Minority Whip, Desiree Tims is dedicated to achieving both equality and equity by fighting for an Ohio that is inclusive for everyone. One of Tims’ biggest passions is voting access and encouraging political participation. A vocal critic of the systemic barriers facing Ohio voters, Tims is eager to use her platform to raise awareness of the political process and encourage voter turnout. Tims is keenly aware of the need for women’s political empowerment; she believes that while Ohio has seen an increase in female legislators, women are still underrepresented in government. As the Campaign Co-Chair of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, she strives to elect more women to the Ohio House. Tims also works to nurture women’s political empowerment by recruiting, assisting, and mentoring women who run for office. The Matriots are proud to follow Desiree through this next campaign.