Greg Landsman

Greg Landsman is a Jewish U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District. He was born on December 4, 1976 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Landsman earned a B.A. in economics and political science from Ohio University and an M.A. in theological studies, religion, and public policy from Harvard University. Before entering Congress, Landsman had a diverse professional background, including working as a public school teacher. He also served as the executive director of The Strive Partnership with the KnowledgeWorks Foundation. Landsman advocated for children and families in this role, especially those most marginalized. He was also the director of the Ohio Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under former Governor Ted Strickland. In that role, he collaborated with religious institutions like churches and synagogues to provide essential services to communities, leading Ohio’s efforts to help them provide education and food programs.

Landsman’s political journey began with his election to the Cincinnati City Council in 2017, where he served for five years. He made significant contributions to the city during his time on the council. He championed investments in public safety and core services. He also spearheaded the establishment of the City of Cincinnati’s first Office of Ethics and Good Government. He played a key role in creating the Balanced Development Scorecard, which promoted transparency in development projects. Landsman’s leadership extended to education, as well. In 2016, he led a successful campaign to pass the Cincinnati Preschool Promise, a program providing quality preschool education to all three- and four-year-olds in the city. In 2018, he built a coalition to pass Hamilton County’s most significant investment in transportation and infrastructure.

Landsman was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, defeating incumbent Steve Chabot. He was re-elected in 2024. In Congress, he serves on the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. He is a Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access and a Member of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains on the Small Business Committee. On the Veterans Affairs Committee, he is a member of the Subcommittee on Health and Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. He is also a member of numerous caucuses, including the New Democrat Coalition, Congressional Labor Caucus, House Pro-Choice Caucus, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Protect Social Security Caucus, Congressional Equality Caucus, and Congressional Diabetes Caucus.

Landsman is a strong supporter of Israel. He has stated that “Israel is one of our most important strategic partners” and encouraged bipartisanship. As a Jewish member of Congress, he has been recognized for his leadership in advocating for the U.S.-Israel relationship. Landsman is a member of the Abraham Accords Caucus and has visited Israel multiple times, including a trip in June 2024 to assess the situation following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. He has consistently emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for Israel and has spoken out against attempts to delegitimize the Jewish state. Landsman believes in Israel’s right to defend itself and advocates for the protection of civilians. He has actively promoted the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and has worked to highlight the devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians.

Landsman is married and has two children.

Sources: “Greg Landsman,” Ballotpedia.
“LANDSMAN, Greg,” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
“About - Biography,” landsman.house.gov.
“Israel Updates,” landsman.house.gov.
“Greg Landsman,” Pro Israel America.
@RepGregLandsman, (July 23, 2024).
Melissa Weiss, “Rep. Greg Landsman, after trip to Israel, reiterates call for release of hostages,” JewishInsider, (June 28, 2024).

Photo: U.S. Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.