America Forward — Democratic Platform Scorecard
AMERICA FORWARD
U.S. Cong. RanksState Ranksionicons-v5-aStatistical Dataionicons-v5-aBuild Your Own PlatformAboutionicons-v5-a
Hearcel F. Craig — Democratic State Senator for Ohio District 15 (official headshot)

Hearcel F. Craig Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

OH Senator

District: 15 • Democrat

2024 DEM Alignment:

32.00%

Lifetime Alignment:

24.61%

View Member History

Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

Click Icon to Filter Table

Click to view who financially influences this lawmaker

Provided by Transparency USA

Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-OH-15) earned a 32% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing limited alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Hearcel F. Craig voted on 25 of the 25 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Across 3 years rated, Hearcel F. Craig's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 25%, with 80 votes recorded across 82 scored bills. This session, Hearcel F. Craig signed onto 198 bills — 43 as primary sponsor and 155 as cosponsor. Hearcel F. Craig represents the 15th District in the Ohio State Senate.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 173Senate 20241x

Growing Government Regulatory Power Within the Healthcare Industry by Expanding Price Disclosure Mandates.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the list of services for which hospitals are required to provide "a list of all standard charges." While certain price disclosure provisions were already previously in place, such as "usual and customary charges for" certain services, such as "the 30 most common x-ray and radiologic procedures" and "the 30 most common laboratory procedures," this bill significantly increases the required disclosures. The nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure.
HB 1 (Special Session - Motion to Table Smith Amd.)Senate 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Protect Against Higher Utility Rates by Prohibiting Utilities from Recouping Political Expenditures Through Rate Increases.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Smith amendment to a bill related to election contributions by foreign nationals. The amendment prohibits electric, gas, and natural gas utilities from recovering any political expenses through rate recovery. Families and businesses should not be placed on the hook to cover the cost of political expenditures through higher utility rates. Oppose is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Liberty. Americans should not be forced to fund political initiatives that may be contrary to their own beliefs and ideas.
HB 2Senate 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control and Wasteful Spending Through an Over $3.51 Billion Capital Appropriations Bill.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Capital Appropriations bill for FY 2025 and FY 2026, appropriates over $3.51 billion. The budget is chock full of frivolous spending, including $717.8 million in "One Time Strategic Community Investments," such as $46 million for "Hamilton County Convention Center District Development," $25 million for the Transportation Research Center, $12 million for the Cedarville Opera House, $7 million for "Pro Football Hall of Fame Modernization" and over $9.7 million for the Hall of Fame Village, and $7 million for "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum Expansion and Renovation Project." Oppose is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Liberty. Excessive government spending and the increasing national debt are a serious threat to America’s stability and is an unjust burden on future generations of Americans. The enormous national debt weakens the US economy and makes the country vulnerable to foreign adversaries such as China, which currently holds significant US debt. ACI strongly supports fiscal responsibility in government spending, reducing the size of the government, and overall spending cuts.
HB 206Senate 20241x

Strengthening School Safety and Productive Learning Environments by Allowing School Superintendents to Expel Dangerous Students for Up to 180 Days.

Against DEMs
This bill allows school superintendents to expel students for up to 180 days if the student poses an "imminent and severe" threat to students or staff. This includes actions such as bringing a firearm or knife to a school or school event, or making a threat, such as on social media. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Community. Education is fundamental to upward mobility and overall success. ACI supports school choice policies (including charter schools, vouchers, education savings accounts, and homeschooling) and that parents should have the right to choose the best educational solution for their children.
HB 214Senate 20241x

Strengthening Religious Liberties and Protecting Students and Staff at Public Schools from being Forced to Provide Diversity Statements in the Application Process or as a Condition of Employment.

Against DEMs
This bill enacts the "Religious Expression Days or "R.E.D." Act," which allows students in grades K-12 to miss up to 3 school days each year for religious reasons, and prohibits questioning of the "sincerity of a student''s religious or spiritual belief system." The bill also prohibits school districts from asking prospective job or student applicants to provide a diversity statement, or using such statements in evaluations. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Faith. The right to practice and express one’s religion without government interference is a core American value and protected by the First Amendment. ACI supports policies that promote the right to practice religion freely, allow religious institutions and individuals to act on their beliefs, and permit public expressions of faith in public spaces.
HB 27 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending Through Over $1.37 Billion in New Appropriations, Including $196.35 Million for the Ohio Expo Center.

Against DEMs
This bill increases the appropriation to the Department of Job and Family Services for the "Adoption Grant Program" from $15 million to $34 million in FY 2024 and FY 2025. The bill also appropriates over $1.37 billion, including $600 million for "School Building Program Assistance," $575 million to the Public Works Commission, and $196.35 million to the Ohio Expositions Commission for "Expo2050." Oppose is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Liberty. Excessive government spending and the increasing national debt are a serious threat to America’s stability and is an unjust burden on future generations of Americans. The enormous national debt weakens the US economy and makes the country vulnerable to foreign adversaries such as China, which currently holds significant US debt. ACI strongly supports fiscal responsibility in government spending, reducing the size of the government, and overall spending cuts.
HB 331Senate 20241x

Protecting Taxpayers by Requiring an Audit of Government Services Provided by Villages.

With DEMs
This bill requires county commissioners to determine if each village provided at least five services during the previous 10 years, such as police, fire, water, and garbage, and if each elected position had at least one candidate. If not, the question of whether to surrender corporate powers of the village is required to be presented to voters. This measure ensures taxpayer funds are being used to provide necessary services for residents.
HB 33 (Veto Override Item #24)Senate 20241x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Prohibiting Local Bans on Tobacco and Alternative Nicotine Products.

Against DEMs
This motion overrides the Governor''s veto item #24 (section 9.681) of the FY 2024-2025 appropriations bill. This section prohibits local governments from imposing additional regulations or bans on tobacco and alternative nicotine products. The bill is largely in response to actions taken by the city of Columbus to impose a local ban on flavored tobacco products. Support is the Limited Government Position as tobacco usage is an individual liberty which should be protected at every level of government, especially considering the U.S. Constitution only recognizes the role of the federal and state government.
HB 366Senate 20241x

Strengthening Law and Order by Combatting Organized Retail Theft Through a Task Force and New Criminal Offense.

With DEMs
This bill, the "Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement (FORCE) Act," establishes a task force to investigate organized retail theft. The bill also establishes new felony crimes of "organized theft of retail property" and "theft of mail." For third-degree felony "organized theft of retail property," the bill provides for either a presumptive, or mandatory, prison term depending on an offender''s previous convictions. Protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. While the bill contains a negative provision doubling retail license application fees, as a whole the bill strengthens law and order.
HB 37Senate 20241x

Strengthening Public Safety by Increasing Sentences for Driving while Intoxicated and Aggravated Vehicular Homicide.

With DEMs
This bill, known as "Liv''s Law," increases penalties for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (OVI) and aggravated vehicular homicide. Under the bill, sentences for aggravated vehicular homicide are based on four tiers, with increasing sentences based on prior convictions. The bill also expands the state''s implied consent law.
HB 497Senate 20241x

Weakening Government Transparency and Accountability by Increasing Thresholds for County Projects Requiring Approval.

Against DEMs
This bill contains several provisions related to local spending. First, the bill exempts any "minor repair" from the requirement that county commissioners obtain plans, bills, specifications, and cost estimates from an architect or engineer for construction of, or on, a building or bridge substructure. Under the bill, a "minor repair" is defined as "the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance when the work has limited impact on access, safety, or health." Additionally, for courthouse and jail construction projects, the bill only requires projects with costs over $75,000, rather than all projects, to be approved by designated officials. Finally, the bill only requires projects with costs over $20,000, rather than over $1,000, to be submitted to the county prosecutor.
HB 50Senate 20241x

Threatening Safety of Tenants by Limiting Ability of Landlords to Deny an Applicant for Housing Based on a Prior Criminal Conviction Through a "Certificate of Qualification for Housing.

Against DEMs
This bill allows individuals subject to a housing-related "penalty, disability, or disadvantage" because of a previous conviction to apply for a "certificate of qualification for housing" one year after release from imprisonment/penalties for felonies, or 6 months for misdemeanors. A court may grant a certificate if certain criteria are met, such as that doing so would "materially assist the individual in obtaining housing" and "would not pose an unreasonable risk to the safety of the public or any individual." When applying for housing, this certificate establishes a rebuttable presumption that the applicant''s convictions are "insufficient evidence that the person is unfit for the housing in question." While a landlord or housing authority may still deny an applicant if they are determined to be "unfit for the housing," a certificate provides the landlord or housing authority immunity in a civil action for negligent leasing if they were aware the applicant had a certificate.
HB 56Senate 20241x

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Fleeing Law Enforcement in a Vehicle and Criminalizing Stunt Driving and Street Takeovers.

With DEMs
This bill contains several provisions increasing penalties for vehicle-related offenses. First, the bill increases fleeing/eluding law enforcement with a vehicle from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony, and from a fourth-degree felony to a third-degree felony if "fleeing immediately after the commission of a felony." Second, the bill requires that if the fleeing caused "serious physical harm to persons or property" or "a substantial risk" of such harm, the offense carries a sentence of between 12-60 months. Finally, the bill makes "stunt driving" and "street takeover" on publicly-accessible roads a first-degree misdemeanor, and requires that anyone who assists "in any manner" must be charged the same.
HB 68 (Veto Override)Senate 20241x

Protecting Children Under 18 from Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions with Irreversible Implications and Prohibiting Biological Males from Competing in Female Competitions.

Against DEMs
This motion overrides the Governor''s veto of a bill that enacts the "Ohio Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act" and the "Save Women''s Sports Act." The bill prohibits children under 18 years of age from receiving sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers until they reach the age of consent. Additionally, the bill prohibits the state''s Medicaid system from providing coverage for such procedures and medications for minors. The bill also requires public and private schools and colleges and universities to designate athletic teams as either male, female, or co-ed, "based on the sex of the participants," and requires all participants of a female team to be of the same sex. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Faith. The US Constitution affords all people equal protection under the law, not extra protection. ACI opposes gender policies that provide unequal rights or protections, unfair competition in sports, or allow irreversible sex changes of minors who have not reached the age of consent. ACI is opposed gender affirming care for minors.
HB 7Senate 20241x

Growing Government Dependency Through Several Efforts Designed to Expand Welfare Programs.

Against DEMs
This bill contains several provisions related to expanding welfare programs. Among other provisions, the bill requires the Department of Health to study how to increase participation in WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program) and requires the Department of Medicaid to study how certain infant vitality programs can be covered by Medicaid. Oppose is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Community. Growth of the welfare state disincentivizes employment and can lead to intergenerational poverty. ACI supports policies that reduce government dependency and help individuals live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
HB 74Senate 20241x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Prohibiting Pre-Filled Voter Registration Forms, Increasing Election Audits, and Other Provisions.

Against DEMs
This bill contains several provisions designed to improve to election integrity. First, except in specific circumstances, the bill prohibits prefilling voter registration, change of residence, or change of name forms for applicants. Second, the bill requires audits after every election, rather than only in even-numbered years. Third, the bill expands the voting equipment that must be certified by the Secretary of State prior to use, to also include pollbooks, voter registration systems, and ballots on demand voting systems. Finally, the bill helps protect against misleading citizen-led initiative efforts by allowing the Attorney General to disapprove an initiative petition if the title and summary are not "fair and truthful statements," rather than only the summary. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Liberty. Election integrity is an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic. ACI opposes efforts to undermine the election process by weakening protections to prevent voter fraud. ACI strongly supports maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud to ensure free and fair elections.
HB 77Senate 20241x

Strengthening Public Safety by Restricting the Use of Drones Near Critical Infrastructure, Military Bases, and Other Sensitive Locations.

With DEMs
This bill restricts the use of drones near a "critical facility," such as court buildings, jails, military bases, and critical infrastructure. The bill also prohibits the use of drones "in a manner that disrupts, interrupts, or impairs" on-duty first responders. Finally, the bill also allows local governments to regulate the use of drones on public property.
HB 8Senate 20241x

Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Providing Parents More Control Over their Child''s Education Through a Parent''s Bill of Rights.

Against DEMs
This bill enacts the "Parent''s Bill of Rights," which declares that parents have a "fundamental right to make decisions" related to raising their child. The bill requires parental consent before any healthcare services may be provided for their child. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to notify parents of any changes in their child''s health and ensures access to their child''s student health records. Finally, the bill requires any instruction on "sexual concepts or gender ideology" be age and developmentally-appropriate for students and prohibits such content in grades K-3. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Faith. ACI believes in traditional family values and the role of faith, marriage, and parental responsibility in fostering a stable society and brighter economic outcomes. ACI supports a parent’s fundamental right to direct the upbringing and care of their children and supports policies that promote parental consent or notification related to minor children.
HCR 14Senate 20241x

Urging Congress to Continue the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which has Received $4.9 Billion in Taxpayer Funds.

Against DEMs
This bill urges Congress to reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program to "protect and restore" the Great Lakes. According to the program''s website, it "has received approximately $4.9 billion from FY 2010 to FY 2024. The GLRI has also received $800 million from FY 2022 to FY 2025 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."
HJR 8Senate 20241x

Indebting Taxpayers Through a Constitutional Amendment Allowing $2.5 Billion in Bonds for Infrastructure Projects.

Against DEMs
This resolution amends the state Constitution to allow up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds (debt) to be issued for local public infrastructure capital improvements. Up to $250 million in bonds may be issued annually for 10 years. Oppose is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Liberty. Excessive government spending and the increasing national debt are a serious threat to America’s stability and is an unjust burden on future generations of Americans. The enormous national debt weakens the US economy and makes the country vulnerable to foreign adversaries such as China, which currently holds significant US debt. ACI strongly supports fiscal responsibility in government spending, reducing the size of the government, and overall spending cuts.
SB 104Senate 20241x

Strengthening Safety and Privacy in the Restrooms of Schools by Requiring Usage to be Based on Biological Sex (Male or Female) at Birth.

Against DEMs
This bill requires public schools and colleges and universities with a multi-person restroom or changing facility to designate separate facilities based on biological sex at birth. The bill also prohibits public school students of the opposite biological sex at birth from sharing a hotel room or multi-person restroom or changing facility. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Faith. The US Constitution affords all people equal protection under the law, not extra protection. ACI opposes gender policies that provide unequal rights or protections, unfair competition in sports, or allow irreversible sex changes of minors who have not reached the age of consent. ACI is opposed gender affirming care for minors.
SB 198 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Reducing Recidivism by Helping Reformed Individuals Gain Employment by Providing Released Inmates with ID Cards and Records of Educational and Work Programs.

With DEMs
This bill requires the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide inmates with a free identification card, record of educational and vocational training, birth certificate, social security card, resume, and practice job interview prior to release. Additionally, the Department of Youth Services is required to provide minors under 17 in custody with an application for a free identification card and to submit the application. This bill provides reformed individuals with the means to obtain gainful employment, one of the largest factors in preventing recidivism, which is critical considering the national 44% recidivism rate.
SB 54Senate 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Additional Spending Bill Increasing Appropriations by Over $66 Million.

Against DEMs
This bill contains several appropriations provisions. First, the bill appropriates over $2 million for Ohio Public TV-Radio, and authorizes an additional $2 million (for a total of $523 million) in bonds (debt) for the Administrative Building Fund and the Administrative Building Taxable Bond Fund. According to the bill''s fiscal note, the bill increases appropriations for FY 2025 by over $66 million, including appropriating over $40.6 million to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Department of Job and Family Services "to support state employee compensation." Additionally, the bill establishes the Ohio River Commission "to develop and promote economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, and travel and tourism on the Ohio river and its tributaries."
SB 81Senate 20241x

Expanding Access to Mental Health Services by Slightly Reducing Restrictions on Certain Healthcare Professionals.

With DEMs
This bill allows physician assistants (PA), certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse-midwives to sign admission, treatment, and discharge documents for inpatient psychiatric or behavioral healthcare, if certain requirements are met. The bill also allows insurance navigators to receive compensation from health insurance companies offering plans on a health exchange, with some exceptions. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Life. Americans deserve a patient-centered healthcare system that empowers individuals to take control of their health decisions without onerous government regulations that drive up the cost of care. ACI supports healthcare policies that focus on protecting the unborn and vulnerable at all stage of life, while ensuring women and families have alternative to abortion, better medical care, and ethical healthcare options.
SR 155Senate 20241x

Urging the Biden Administration Not to Issue EPA Mandates Requiring the Sale or Purchase of Electric Vehicles.

Against DEMs
This resolution urges the Biden Administration to protect against EPA regulations that result in "direct or indirect electric vehicle mandates. Support is the ACI''s position based on the cornerstone of Liberty. Excessive government control stifles innovation, burdens businesses, and restricts individual liberty. Overregulation empowers government bureaucrats at the expense of free enterprise. ACI supports a limited government agenda that cuts unnecessary red tape, fosters competition, drives economic growth, and empowers individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Hearcel F. Craig's voting record?

Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-OH-15) earned a 32% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing limited alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Hearcel F. Craig voted on 25 of the 25 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Across 3 years rated, Hearcel F. Craig's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 25%, with 80 votes recorded across 82 scored bills. This session, Hearcel F. Craig signed onto 198 bills — 43 as primary sponsor and 155 as cosponsor. Hearcel F. Craig represents the 15th District in the Ohio State Senate.

How aligned is Hearcel F. Craig with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Hearcel F. Craig earned a 32% National Democrat Platform score in 2024, showing limited alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Hearcel F. Craig's Dem Platform score?

Hearcel F. Craig has a 32% Dem Platform score for 2024. Across 3 years rated, Hearcel F. Craig's lifetime average is 25%.

Where does Hearcel F. Craig serve?

Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-OH-15) represents the 15th District in the Ohio State Senate as a Democrat.

How many bills has Hearcel F. Craig sponsored this session?

Hearcel F. Craig signed onto 198 bills this session — 43 as primary sponsor and 155 as cosponsor.

Institute for Legislative Analysis logo

Let's build a platform together!

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Build Your Own Platform
  • Methodology

Resources

  • Data Sources
  • Report Correction

Contact

  • Contact Page
© 2023 - 2026 Institute for Legislative Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.
Open Options