Representative Paul E. Gillmor

Paul Eugene Gillmor (February 1, 1939 – September 5, 2007) was an American politician of the Republican Party who served as the U.S. representative from the 5th congressional district of Ohio from 1989 until his death in 2007. Over the course of 10 consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives, he represented his northwestern Ohio constituents and contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in modern American political history.

Gillmor was born on February 1, 1939, in Tiffin, Ohio. He was raised in Ohio and developed an early interest in public affairs and civic life that would later shape his long career in government. His upbringing in the state he would go on to represent in Congress provided him with a close familiarity with the concerns of Midwestern communities, including agriculture, small business, and local industry.

Gillmor pursued higher education in preparation for a career in law and public service. After completing his early schooling in Ohio, he attended college and then law school, earning the legal training that would underpin his later work as both a state legislator and a member of Congress. His legal background informed his approach to legislation and policy, particularly in areas involving regulatory frameworks, economic development, and the structure of federal programs.

Before his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Gillmor embarked on a career that combined law, public service, and politics in Ohio. He practiced law and became active in Republican Party politics, building a reputation as a steady and pragmatic legislator. His early public service helped establish his standing within the party and among voters, positioning him for higher office. Through these roles, he gained experience in the workings of government and the legislative process at the state level, experience that he would later bring to the national stage.

Gillmor was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives in 1988 and took office in January 1989 as the representative from Ohio’s 5th congressional district. He was subsequently reelected nine times, serving continuously until 2007. His tenure in Congress spanned the presidencies of George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, encompassing the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, the economic and technological changes of the 1990s, and the post–September 11 era. As a member of the House of Representatives, Paul E. Gillmor participated in the democratic process, took part in debates and votes on major national issues, and represented the interests of his constituents in Ohio. He worked on legislation affecting his district and the nation, reflecting Republican priorities on economic policy, regulation, and governance.

During his years in Congress, Gillmor’s activities and positions were documented in a variety of public records and media. His official work and biographical details were recorded in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. His speeches and appearances were broadcast and archived by C‑SPAN, and his campaigns were chronicled through his official campaign site and Federal Election Commission reports. Organizations such as Project Vote Smart, OpenSecrets, and issue-tracking services compiled his voting record, campaign contributions, and policy positions, illustrating his role as a consistent Republican voice from Ohio in the House.

Paul E. Gillmor’s congressional service came to an end with his death on September 5, 2007, while he was still in office. His passing concluded nearly two decades of continuous representation of Ohio’s 5th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Over the course of his 10 terms, he had been a steady participant in the legislative process and a long-serving Republican member of Congress during a transformative era in American political and economic life.