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In a powerful affirmation of public service, military leadership, and legal expertise, Orlando Sonza has been appointed as Counsel in the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division—a major national role that marks a new chapter in a career already defined by discipline, integrity, and civic duty.
This promotion caps off an impressive tenure as Executive Director of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission (HCVSC), where Sonza spearheaded transformative initiatives for local veterans. Now, he steps into federal service, continuing a lifelong commitment to country and community.
A New Mission in Washington for Orlando Sonza
According to a press release issued July 30, 2025, Sonza’s final day with the Commission will be August 13, as he transitions to his new role at the DOJ in Washington, D.C. In this presidential appointment, he will serve as Counsel in the Civil Rights Division—a prestigious and influential post focused on ensuring equal justice under the law.
During his brief but impactful leadership of the HCVSC, Sonza guided the agency through a significant expansion. He tripled the number of frontline staff, enhanced emergency services to include dental and vision care, and introduced financial literacy programs to promote veteran self-sufficiency. Notably, he also launched a door-to-door van service that greatly improved VA medical appointment access for hundreds of veterans in Hamilton County.
Under Sonza’s guidance, the Commission launched its first Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day, a widely celebrated event that honored more than 2,500 veterans and their families. His tenure was marked by outreach, innovation, and an unwavering focus on the dignity of those who served.
Orlando Sonza Built a Career on Service and Discipline
Orlando Sonza is no stranger to high-stakes roles and civic responsibility. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he served honorably in the U.S. Army as a commissioned infantry officer, eventually achieving the rank of first lieutenant. His post-military career took him through the legal, academic, and government worlds.
After his service, Sonza earned his law degree from Georgetown University and worked as a prosecutor for Hamilton County. His deep knowledge of law and public safety made him a compelling voice in both courtrooms and community forums.
But it’s not just law and military service that define Sonza’s journey. He is a family man—married with four children—and has consistently woven faith and family values into his political and civic endeavors.
A Political Trailblazer in Ohio
Sonza’s name is also familiar to political observers across southwest Ohio. He’s been on the ballot multiple times as a Republican candidate, most notably challenging Democrat Greg Landsman for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District in 2024. Though he did not win, his campaign was a serious and credible challenge in a district that had recently been redrawn to lean more Democratic.
He previously ran for Ohio State Senate in 2022, where he attracted support as a reform-minded fiscal conservative. In both races, Sonza earned praise for his clarity of message, command of policy, and appeal to a wide cross-section of voters—including veterans, working families, and the Filipino-American community.
His campaigns highlighted the need for government transparency, fiscal accountability, and the reduction of bureaucratic waste. In debates and media appearances, he often referenced his military background and prosecutorial work to contrast himself with career politicians. While the outcomes didn’t swing in his favor, the name recognition, grassroots support, and policy credentials he built helped launch him into national prominence.
The Bigger Picture: A Conservative Ascension
Sonza’s elevation to a DOJ post represents more than a personal win—it’s part of a broader trend of rising conservative professionals with military and legal backgrounds moving into influential government roles. His appointment sends a clear message about the kind of leadership the current administration is seeking: disciplined, mission-oriented, and committed to constitutional principles.
It also positions Sonza as a potential future leader in Republican politics, especially if he returns to elected office with federal credentials. His combination of military service, DOJ experience, and community leadership gives him a formidable platform for any future campaign.
What’s Next for Orlando Sonza?
As Orlando Sonza heads to Washington, his local impact continues to ripple through Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Glenn Welling, current commissioner, has been appointed interim executive director of the Veterans Service Commission, signaling a smooth leadership transition while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
Meanwhile, Sonza’s national role will likely broaden his exposure to civil rights law, DOJ operations, and federal policymaking. That kind of experience could deepen his resume for potential future roles in public office, the judiciary, or national policy.
For now, Sonza remains what he’s always been—a servant leader driven by purpose. From the halls of West Point to the streets of Cincinnati and now the Justice Department, his journey reflects a deep commitment to service, faith, and country.
