DCCC - Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

State Representative Steve Driehaus (D-31st District) is serving his fourth term in the Ohio House, representing people in western Cincinnati, Addyston, Cheviot, Cleves and North Bend. He is a member of the leadership of the House Democratic Caucus, serving as Minority Whip since 2005.

The Cincinnati native and Elder High School graduate earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University, and his master's degree in public affairs (with concentrations in public finance and comparative international affairs) from Indiana University.

Rep. Driehaus first served his community and his country as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, West Africa, from 1988 to 1990. He was a natural resource volunteer, working with village groups and local schools to promote sustainable environmental practices.

Upon his return from the Peace Corps, Rep. Driehaus became Associate Director of the Center for International Education and Development Assistance at Indiana University. He coordinated several programs, including the highly-acclaimed South African Internship Program sponsored by the United States Information Agency. The South African program continues to be the largest professional exchange program between the United States and the "new" South Africa.

Rep. Driehaus formerly directed and now serves as a senior associate to the Community Building Institute (CBI) in Cincinnati. CBI is a collaborative effort of Xavier University and United Way & Community Chest that promotes citizen-led, asset-based community development. In his position, Driehaus works with community leaders to help them identify and mobilize strengths in their neighborhoods. He is actively involved in supporting community economic development initiatives, facilitating neighborhood planning processes and working with grassroots leaders.

In the legislature, Rep. Driehaus has focused on the issues of community development, housing and tax reform in Ohio. His legislative priorities include creating a policy structure which evaluates and determines the effectiveness of Ohio's tax expenditures. Rep. Driehaus is also interested in legislative initiatives that will curb Ohio's foreclosure crisis. He plans to introduce legislation to provide residential mortgage obligation tax relief to Ohio's homeowners. Rep. Driehaus is interested in crafting a sound redistricting structure to create fair districts. He is also concerned with the safety of "Citizens on Patrol" and recently introduced legislation to provide additional protection to these volunteers.

The Cincinnati Enquirer named Rep. Driehaus its legislative "Rookie of the Year" during his first term. This year, the ARC of Ohio and the Ohio Association of Election Officials named him Democratic Legislator of the Year.

Rep. Driehaus was also one of the Cincinnati Business Courier's "Forty Under Forty." He serves on the boards of Seton High School and "Ohio River Way," and he was named to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Task Force on "Encouraging Community Progress."

Rep. Driehaus and his wife Lucienne live in Cincinnati with their two daughters, Alex and Clare, and their son, Jack.