Rep. Bryant Bailey Honors Legacy of Former State Rep. L. Helen Rankin, First Black Woman Elected to the Ohio Legislature

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Ashley Bryant Bailey (D-Cincinnati) today introduced a House resolution honoring the life and legacy of former State Representative L. Helen Rankin, the first Black woman elected to the Ohio House of Representatives.

Rankin served in the Ohio House for sixteen years, representing Cincinnati and the surrounding region. First appointed in 1978 following the passing of her husband, State Rep. James W. Rankin, she went on to win election in her own right later that year and was reelected seven times, serving until her retirement in 1994.

"Rep. Helen Rankin changed what leadership looked like in Ohio,” said Rep. Bryant Bailey. "She walked into a chamber that was not designed for her and helped reshape it for generations that followed. Her courage, persistence, and commitment to her constituents opened doors that many of us now walk through.”

During her time in the legislature, Rankin was a leading advocate for women’s health, children, and working families. She championed legislation requiring insurance coverage for mammography and Pap screenings for women over 40, pushing the bill forward multiple times before it was finally signed into law in 1992.

Rankin also served as Chair of the House Human Resources Committee for twelve years and was widely respected for her dedication to constituent service and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

After retiring from the Ohio House in 1994, Rankin continued serving Cincinnati through community work, including helping lead a Habitat for Humanity project that built new homes in Walnut Hills.

“It is my deepest privilege that she called District 26 home, and my greatest honor to celebrate her life and legacy in the house she helped build,” said Rep. Bryant Bailey.

The Ohio House unanimously passed the resolution today, further proving her widespread impact and lasting legacy.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Bryant Bailey and the Rankin family is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.