Eugene Branstool

Who is Eugene Branstool?

Charles Eugene Branstool is an American politician of the Democratic party. Branstool, a Utica, Ohio, farmer, originally ran for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1974, a beat Republican Raymond Luther in the general election. He won reelection in 1976, 1978, and 1980.

Following redistricting in 1982, Branstool opted to make a run for the Ohio Senate, running for a newly drawn district against Sam Speck, whose home had been drawn out of his former district. Proving to be one of the most contested races of that cycle, Branstool defeated Speck, who ultimately returned to his old district, which wasn't up for reelection. In 1986, Branstool was mentioned as a potential candidate for Ohio Lieutenant Governor, running with Governor Richard Celeste, however it proved not to be the case. He went on to win reelection to his Senate seat in a slim margin. Soon after, he was elected Senate minority whip by his colleagues.

In 1990, Branstool was chosen as the running mate of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tony Celebrezze, who lost the election to George Voinovich. Following the defeat, Branstool opted to become Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, and succeeded. He would serve in the capacity until 1993, when he stepped down and was replaced by Harry Meshel.