Shontel Brown

On January 15, 2017, Shontel Brown was elected as a member of the Cuyahoga County Council, representing District 9. Her election to county council marked the start of her public service career, where she focused on urban development, infrastructure improvements, and community services. Brown's tenure on the council helped establish her reputation as a responsive and effective leader who was committed to the progress and welfare of her district. Her time on the council also provided invaluable experience that influenced her future political strategies and campaigns.

On October 13, 2020, Shontel Brown was elected as the Chair of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, becoming the first African American woman to hold the position. Her election marked a significant milestone in her political career, showcasing her influence and leadership abilities within the local Democratic infrastructure. As Chair, Brown was noted for her efforts to increase voter turnout and engage underrepresented communities, seeking to strengthen the party's presence and effectiveness in the region.

On December 18, 2020, Shontel Brown announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 11th congressional district. The seat was vacated after Representative Marcia Fudge was nominated for the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Joe Biden's administration. Shontel Brown's announcement marked the beginning of a high-profile primary campaign in a district known for its Democratic leanings. Shontel, who was serving as the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Chair, positioned herself as a moderate choice with strong local ties and emphasized her commitment to continuing Fudge's legacy of service in advocating for health care access, job creation, and education.

In January 2021, as part of her platform and community leadership before officially running for Congress, Shontel Brown actively advocated for expanded health care access in Northeast Ohio. She focused on addressing the disparities in health care that affected many communities in Ohio, emphasizing the importance of affordable and accessible health services. Brown's advocacy was part of her broader effort to improve social services and ensure equity in medical treatment and preventive care, which would also become central themes in her congressional campaign.

On February 15, 2021, Shontel Brown called for increased funding for education in Ohio. She highlighted how enhanced educational resources and support could transform communities and provide better opportunities for young people. Brown's initiative emphasized closing the gap in educational disparities, particularly in underserved districts, and sought to influence local and federal policymakers to prioritize education budgets. Her advocacy efforts in education were also key aspects of her agenda as a public servant and congressional candidate.

Shontel Brown won the Democratic primary for Ohio's 11th congressional district on August 3, 2021, defeating Nina Turner, a prominent progressive candidate. The primary attracted national attention with endorsements divided along ideological lines. Brown was endorsed by key Democratic establishment figures, including Hillary Clinton and Jim Clyburn, while Turner had support from progressive leaders such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Brown's victory was seen as a significant win for the moderate wing of the Democratic Party in a heavily Democratic district.

In September 2021, Shontel Brown received the Elected Official of the Year Award from the Ohio Democratic Party. This award recognized her leadership within the party and her successful run for Congress, which had been a significant political event within the state earlier that year. The award ceremony highlighted her ability to unify various factions of the Democratic Party and her dedicated community service in her roles prior to becoming a U.S. Representative. Brown was praised for her capacity to engage with constituents and address their concerns effectively.

On November 4, 2021, Shontel Brown was officially sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 11th congressional district. Her swearing-in came after she won the general election held on November 2, 2021. Brown replaced Marcia Fudge, who had held the seat before becoming the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. As a new member of Congress, Brown expressed her intention to work on issues such as health care, job creation, and economic development, and to continue the legacy of her predecessor in serving the district's needs.

On December 16, 2021, Shontel Brown publicly supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, advocating for its passage in the House. Brown stated that the bill's provisions would significantly benefit her district in Ohio by repairing roads, improving public transit systems, and expanding access to broadband internet. Her support for the infrastructure initiative was part of her focus on economic development and improving the quality of life in her district. The bill's passage was a noteworthy legislative achievement, with Brown participating actively in its advocacy.

On January 5, 2022, Shontel Brown joined the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), a significant step in her early congressional career. The CBC is a powerful group of African American members of the United States Congress that works collectively to address matters of importance to the Black community and guide legislative priorities. As a member of the CBC, Brown aimed to contribute to their mission of promoting the economic, health, and educational well-being of constituents, in addition to advocating for racial justice and equality, both within Ohio and nationally.