Bernadine Kennedy Kent is a former Ohio State Representative who served two terms representing parts of Columbus. During her time in the legislature, she worked to protect taxpayer dollars and strengthen protections for children, including helping stop more than $800,000 in fraudulent tutoring payments in Columbus City Schools and closing a gap in Ohio law by making law enforcement mandated reporters of child abuse.

Before serving in the legislature, Kent worked as a teacher and advocate helping families navigate public systems and understand how government decisions affect their daily lives.

Her family’s experiences also reflect a tradition of leadership and mentorship. Her husband served as a Green Beret medic in Vietnam, responsible for training and leading hundreds of Cambodian soldiers, and their son now serves as a professional basketball head coach in Japan, mentoring young athletes and building teams. These experiences have reinforced Kent’s belief that leadership means responsibility for others and the courage to stand up for what is right.

Kent is running as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary for Ohio House District 3 in order to qualify for the ballot in the November 2026 general election. Her campaign focuses on fiscal accountability, strong standards for public spending, and practical policies that support students, families, and seniors.