Karen Brownlee

Karen Brownlee is an American social worker and politician who has served as a Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives since 2025. Representing the 28th district, Brownlee's constituency includes the northeastern suburbs of Hamilton County.

Early life and career

Brownlee earned a Bachelor of Art in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Michigan in 1995, and a Master of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University in 2018. She has previously worked as a mental health therapist and clinical trainer.
In 2023, Brownlee challenged incumbent Republican Phil Beck for Trustee of Symmes Township, Ohio, losing by a margin of 59.7% to 40.3%.

Ohio House of Representatives

In 2024, following Ohio’s 2023 redistricting, which moved appointed incumbent Jodi Whitted into the 27th District, Brownlee ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for the open 28th District seat. She defeated anti-abortion activist Jenn Giroux in the November general election with 55.9% of the vote and was sworn in on January 1, 2025. Brownlee currently serves on the Children and Human Services, Community Revitalization, and Health committees.