Meet Pam

Hi, I’m Pamela Grogean, and I’m a dedicated community advocate and Shelby County resident running to represent Ohio’s 85th District in Shelby, Logan, and Champaign counties.

Personal Life

I was born in Russia, Ohio, and grew up surrounded by examples of people who worked hard, loved, and cared for their communities. My father is a farmer and a retired Clopay employee, and my mother retired from the City of Sidney after 29 years of public service. I was active in student government during my years at Russia High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from American Public University.

I see public education as a vital foundation that not only opens doors to higher learning, but also shapes critical thinking, resilience, and a shared sense of opportunity. I am a mother, not through biology, but by choice. Protecting my son’s opportunity for a brighter future is one of the driving forces in my decision to run for office. I will bring a deep-rooted commitment to justice, compassion, and public service to the role.

In 2024, my mother was diagnosed with a terminal disease and I have stepped in as her caregiver throughout the illness. The experience has given me a first-hand look at healthcare in rural America. Healthcare is a human right and everyone deserves access they can afford. My conversations with mom about the history of the United States and her learned experiences have also helped crystalize and solidify my concern for its future. Many of the rights we have taken for granted – like privacy, free speech, voting, and more! – have come under fire by the political establishment. I’m running to take on that establishment and fight for the rights of all Ohioans.

Activism

I’ve always been a champion for environmental protection and I am a member of the Climate Reality Project. I am also deeply concerned about the threat to civil liberties posed by the current administration. In particular, women’s rights and immigrants’ rights have come under increasing attack in recent years. I have worked to raise awareness and push for meaningful action on issues that directly impact Ohio families, such as the health impacts and affordability issues that come with data center proliferation, EPA rollbacks, ICE enforcement overreach, and attempts to curb women’s right to healthcare. My passion for building a better future is grounded in my belief that every aspect of our lives is impacted by politics, and our elected leaders should be writing policy FOR the people of Ohio, not for big corporations and SuperPAC interests.

Professional Life

Professionally, my background is in Operations Leadership, serving in supervisory and supply chain roles within the food manufacturing industry for over 20 years. My responsibilities require team management, communication, and negotiation skills. This will continually inform my approach to governance.

From my experience at Russia high school serving in student government, to my current community organizing efforts, my experiences have shaped my empathetic, people-first approach to leadership and my belief that strong communities are built through care, understanding, and mutual support.

I’m running for Ohio House District 85 to amplify working families’ voices, protect the environment, defend fundamental rights, and build a future where every Ohioan has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s end the politics of cruelty and bring on policy for the people!