Andre “Dre” Malcolm Thompson is the junior United States Senator from Ohio, representing the people of the Buckeye State with a fierce commitment to fairness, dignity, and economic opportunity. Born and raised in Youngstown, Dre’s life and career have been defined by grit, resilience, and an unrelenting dedication to working people. A proud son of Youngstown’s Black working-class community, Dre’s family roots stretch back to his grandparents’ move from Alabama during the Great Migration in the 1940s. His father worked factory jobs through the decline of Ohio’s steel industry, while his mother served in a school cafeteria, keeping the family afloat through hard times. Those experiences shaped Dre’s belief that no one should have to fight alone for a fair wage or a better future. A standout linebacker at Youngstown State University, Dre’s athletic career was cut short by a shoulder injury that redirected his drive toward public service and the law. He earned his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University College of Law and spent over a decade as a labor lawyer, representing unions, nurses, and factory workers across Ohio. Known for his commanding presence and no-nonsense style, he built a reputation as one of the region’s most effective advocates for fair labor practices, paid family leave, and access to education and vocational training. In 2025, Dre launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate from his hometown’s Mill Creek Park. His platform—“Jobs First, Families Always”—struck a chord with working- and middle-class Ohioans tired of political gamesmanship. Promising results without the rhetoric, Dre ran as a centrist Democrat focused on jobs, healthcare, and education reform. He defeated incumbent Senator Vincent Harding in a landmark grassroots campaign fueled by union halls, small businesses, and community volunteers. Since taking office, Senator Thompson has built a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver and an authentic voice for Ohio’s industrial heartland. He has worked across the aisle on legislation to expand apprenticeships, lower prescription drug costs, and protect reproductive rights. While progressive on social issues, he maintains a centrist approach on fiscal and economic policy—pushing for balanced budgets and fair taxation that favors small business and working families over corporate interests. Outside of Washington, Dre remains grounded in his community. He and his wife, Nicole Harris-Thompson, a respected civil rights attorney, live with their six children in the Newport neighborhood of Youngstown. Together, they coach youth sports and mentor local students, embodying the family-centered values they champion. Nicole’s civil rights work often intersects with Dre’s labor advocacy, making them a formidable team for justice both in Ohio and on Capitol Hill. Known for his direct communication style and commanding presence, Senator Thompson continues to be guided by the lessons of Youngstown’s mills and neighborhoods: work hard, stay honest, and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.