Jim Rhodes

Report Candidate Issue

Jim Rhodes portrait

Jim Rhodes

U.S.A.

Party Republican
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth September 13, 1909
Date of Death March 4, 2001 (Age: 91)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

Social Media

Ask our AI

  • Ask me questions about Jim Rhodes.

Our AI can make mistakes, check important info
Overview
Community
Data
Personal Background

Jim Rhodes was born in 1909 in Coalton, Ohio, and later moved to Springfield, where he graduated from high school. He briefly attended Ohio State University on a basketball scholarship before embarking on a political career. Rhodes served on the Columbus ward committee and was elected to the Columbus Board of Education, later becoming the city auditor and eventually Mayor of Columbus. He championed infrastructure development, notably overseeing the construction of 50 airports in Ohio, and served as Ohio State Auditor. Rhodes was elected Governor of Ohio twice, focusing on economic development, education funding, and infrastructure. He led a trade mission to China, fostering economic ties, and addressed the 1970s energy crisis through public prayer services. Rhodes retired from the governorship in 1983 after pardoning Don King and losing a bid for a fifth term in 1986.

Political Ideas

Jim Rhodes's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of traditional conservative economic policies with progressive infrastructure initiatives. He staunchly opposed tax increases while simultaneously championing large-scale public works projects, like the construction of 50 airports in Ohio. Rhodes's rhetoric on social issues often veered into dramatic comparisons, as seen in his inflammatory characterization of Kent State protesters. His approach to foreign policy was equally distinctive, fostering early economic ties with China at a time when such relations were unconventional. Rhodes's calculated balancing of regional industrial interests with broader economic and social policies presents a complex and thought-provoking political persona.

Campaigns
1986: Ohio State Governor

Election History

Ohio gubernatorial election, 1986

1,207,264 votes (39.40%)

Loss

Winner: Dick Celeste

Ohio Governor 1986, Republican Primary Results

352,261 votes (48.19%)

Win
1978: Ohio State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1978 Ohio gubernatorial election

1,402,167 votes (49.31%)

Win

Ohio Governor 1978, Republican Primary Results

393,632 votes (67.73%)

Win
1974: Ohio State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1974 Ohio gubernatorial election

1,493,679 votes (48.62%)

Win

Ohio Governor 1974, Republican Primary Results

385,669 votes (62.76%)

Win
1966: Ohio State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1966 Ohio gubernatorial election

1,795,277 votes (62.18%)

Win

Ohio Governor 1966, Republican Primary Results

577,827 votes (88.73%)

Win
1962: Ohio State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1962 Ohio gubernatorial election

1,836,432 votes (58.92%)

Win

Ohio Governor 1962, Republican Primary Results

520,868 votes (89.68%)

Win
1954: Ohio State Governor

Election History

1954 Ohio gubernatorial election

1,192,528 votes (45.91%)

Loss

Winner: Frank Lausche

Ohio Governor 1954, Republican Primary Results

400,294 votes (100.00%)

Win
1950: Ohio State Governor

Election History

Ohio Governor 1950, Republican Primary Results

157,346 votes (29.13%)

Loss

Winner: Don H. Ebright