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Steve Austria

Steve Austria
Rep. Steve Austria.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Ohio's 7th district
In office
January 3, 2009 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by David Hobson
Succeeded by Bob Gibbs
Member of the Ohio Senate
from the 10th district
In office
January 3, 2001 – December 31, 2008
Preceded by Merle G. Kearns
Succeeded by Chris Widener
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives
from the 76th district
In office
January 5, 1999 – December 31, 2000
Preceded by Marilyn Reid
Succeeded by Kevin DeWine
Personal details
Born Stephen Clement Austria
(1958-10-12) October 12, 1958 (age 58)
Cincinnati, Ohio
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Eileen
Children three sons (Brian, Kevin and Eric)
Residence Beavercreek, Ohio
Alma mater Marquette University
Profession Financial Planner
Religion Roman Catholic

Stephen Clement "Steve" Austria (born October 12, 1958) is the former U.S. Representative for Ohio's 7th congressional district, serving from 2009 to 2013. He is a member of the Republican Party. In December 2011, Austria announced his intention to not run for re-election for the 113th Congress in the 2012 elections. During the 14 years of elected office, Austria never lost an election.

Austria was born in Cincinnati, the son of Jean C. (née Brockman), a nurse, and Dr. Clement G. Austria. He grew up in Xenia, the eldest of nine children. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1977. His mother was of German descent, and his father was from Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines, and had moved to Ohio to attend medical school. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in 1982 and began a career as a financial advisor. The Austria family was named the 1984 "Ohio Family of the Year" and was later presented with one of nine "The Great American Family" awards by First Lady Nancy Reagan. His father sat on the Greene County Central Committee of the Republican Party.

Austria was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1998 until 2000. Austria won re-election in 2004 against Democratic challenger Charlie Hart in the general election with 65% of the vote.

Austria was elected to the Ohio State Senate in 2001, representing the 10th District. He served two terms as the Senate House Majority Whip. In 1998, he sponsored the "Internet Child Protection Act", which was later enacted into law.

He served as Chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation and Senate Judiciary Committees.

Austria won the Republican nomination for the 7th District after nine-term incumbent Dave Hobson retired. He defeated Democratic challenger Sharen Neuhardt in the general election, 59% to 41%. When Austria was elected, he made history by becoming the first son of a Filipino immigrant to be elected to the House of Representatives.


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