Russ Guerra

Who is Russ Guerra?

Emil Russell Guerra was a Republican politician and a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives. A native of Dayton, Ohio and graduate of Fairview High School, Guerra served in World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. Subsequently, in the Dayton Police Department. He would ultimately work his way up to the rank of captain, and retired from the force after over twenty five years. He also served for a time as an air scout for local news stations. In the late 1960s, Guerra faced a near fatal gunshot wound, but recovered to return to the police force. In the 1970s, Guerra made his first entrance into politics by running and winning the election for Randolph Township Trustee. He served in this position from 1975-1980.

In 1980, Guerra, who was Republican, opted to run against incumbent Representative Larry Christman, who had served for over eight years. In a historically Republican year led by Ronald Reagan, Guerra defeated Christman to take the seat. He would go on to win five more terms, serving all within the minority.

Midway through his fifth term in 1991, Guerra was stricken with cancer. Although initially expected to recover, he ultimately died with nine months left in his term. With his term expired, House Republicans appointed Jeff Jacobson, to finish the remainder of his term. Jacobson would go on to serve for four more terms, and as a state senator.