CINCINNATI — For the first time, all three Hamilton County Commissioners are women, and the majority are African American.

In an historic vote Saturday, Democrats unanimously appointed Victoria Parks to replace Todd Portune on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

Parks, Portune's former chief of staff, was sworn-in Saturday in front of dozens of supporters.

She joins Commission President Denise Driehaus and Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas, both Democrats, to serve out the remainder of Portune's term.

Today, our Central Committee proudly appointed Victoria Parks as successor to retired Commissioner Todd Portune with a unanimous vote. A packed house and standing ovation for Commissioner Parks! pic.twitter.com/BwE7dcVQaY — Hamilton County Dems (@HamCountyDems) January 11, 2020

Portune annonunced in September that he would not seek re-election in 2020, citing health problems. Though he initially planned to finish out his final term, he retired from the board in December as his health declined. Portune began serving on the commission in 2000 and served for eight years on Cincinnati City Council.

Three women are also running for the vacancy Portune leaves this coming November, including Alicia Reece and Connie Pillich, two former state representatives, and Kelli Prather, a former U.S. Senate candidate and Ohio state auditor candidate.

