Arlene Setzer represented House District 36 for four consecutive terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. She retired from the Vandalia-Butler High School in 2000 after serving as a teacher for 33 years. While in the legislature, Setzer served as chair of the House Education Committee.
Setzer was also a member of Vandalia City Council from 1982 until her election to the Ohio House in 2000. She was named Republican Woman of the Year in 1997, 2001, and 2003.