Craig Riedel

Craig Riedel is a Republican politician who served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for the 82nd District from 2017 to 2022. Born and raised on a family farm in Attica, Ohio, Riedel earned a degree in civil engineering from The Ohio State University. Before entering public office, he spent 27 years in the steel industry working for Nucor Vulcraft Group as both a design engineer and sales manager. During his tenure in the Ohio House, Riedel held leadership positions on committees related to economic development and workforce issues. His legislative focus has historically centered on fiscal responsibility, taxpayer advocacy, and reducing regulatory burdens. Following his time in the House, he was a candidate for Ohio's 9th congressional district in 2024 and subsequently filed to run for the Ohio State Senate District 1 in the 2026 election. Riedel and his wife, Danette, reside in Defiance, Ohio, where he has been active in local community organizations including the Rotary Club and youth sports coaching.