Meredith R. Lawson-Rowe Biography

Meredith Lawson-Rowe is serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives representing the 5th House District, which includes Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, parts of Columbus, Groveport, Obetz, Madison Township and Hamilton Township. 

Rep. Lawson-Rowe has built a strong career in community engagement and public service. While attending Clark Atlanta University, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For over 20 years, she has worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant supporting C-suite level executives.

As a member of the Columbus (Oh) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lawson-Rowe has continued her service to the community at large. 

In 2019, she made history as one of the first black women to be elected to Reynoldsburg City Council. Rep. Lawson-Rowe joined the Reynoldsburg City Council representing Ward 4 and was then elected as Council President in 2023. Under her leadership, she participated in updating the City’s zoning code, passed legislation to improve fair housing and declared Racism a public health crisis. 

She also supported the encouragement of new economic development to the City.To address the housing shortage prevalent in Central Ohio, Lawson-Rowe supported the building of additional affordable housing units in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Most importantly, Rep. Lawson-Rowe established the Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Celebration in 2020 which is now a City-sponsored event. Of her many honors and accolades, Lawson-Rowe shares that her highest honor has been chairing the Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Committee. She said, “It is rewarding to use our eleventh federal holiday as a platform to showcase American history, local businesses, promote health screenings and experience local talent. Reynoldsburg Juneteenth has become a destination in Central Ohio. Because of the overwhelming vendor support, 100% of vendor registrations for Reynoldsburg Juneteenth, is donated to a local non-profit.” It was important to Lawson-Rowe to add giving back to the community as a part of Juneteenth.

Rep. Lawson-Rowe is a fierce advocate and invites others to become involved in the community. She has tremendous pride in representing House District 5 and serves as a resource guide for information. Walking the district meeting constituents is very important to Rep. Lawson-Rowe. 

She is the fourth of six generations of Ohioans and an active Reynoldsburg resident. She has been married to Rondal Rowe, Jr for 32 years. They are the proud parents of three children and four grandchildren. She is excited to serve her community at the state level and will work to build an Ohio that puts people first.