Ohio Legislators Elect Leaders In House and Senate

Jennifer Price
President & CEO, OEDA

The members of the Ohio General Assembly elected the leadership teams in both the House and Senate in early January.

The race for the speakership had a surprise ending when Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) was elected Speaker of the House by a vote of 54-43. Rep. C. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) was re-elected as minority leader by a vote of 73-14. Additional leadership positions elected include:

• Speaker Pro Tempore: Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton)
• Assistant Minority Leader: Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus)
• Minority Whip: Rep. Jessica D. Miranda (D-Forest Park)
• Assistant Minority Whip: Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron)

The Ohio Senate voted unanimously to re-elect Sen. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) as Senate president. Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) was unanimously elected as minority leader. Additional leadership positions unanimously elected include:

• President Pro Tempore: Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton)
• Majority Floor Leader: Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon)
• Majority Whip: Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green)
• Assistant Minority Leader: Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus)
• Minority Whip: Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid)
• Assistant Minority Whip: Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo)