Pillich first aimed to oust incumbent Jim Raussen in the 2006 elections, where despite a large Republican index, the race was expected to be competitive.

However, in a surprise move, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Raussen to a post in the Department of Development only a few months out from the election.

In her first reelection campaign in 2010, Pillich faced Republican, and Tea Party activist Mike Wilson and a Libertarian candidate.

[7] On election night, the race proved to be the closest in Ohio for 2010, with Pillich leading Wilson by just five votes, triggering an automatic recount of ballots.

Early in her second term, Pillich cosponsored a bill that would provide tax credits to businesses that increase their payrolls and expand into vacant facilities.