L. Helen Rankin (September 12, 1936 â March 22, 2026) was an American politician who was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. She was the first African-American woman to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives.
In February 2013, Rankin was recognized by the Cincinnati City Council as a prominent local African American.
Rankin died on March 22, 2026, at the age of 89.