New Leadership Announced in Ohio Legislature

This week the House and Senate announced new leadership for the upcoming 130th General Assembly.  Following the November election, Republicans will maintain majorities in both chambers.  The leadership teams will assume their roles when they return in January. 

Senate

The current Senate President, Tom Niehaus (R-Cincinnati) was unable to run for another term due to term limits.  Therefore, a new Senate President was elected.  Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina) will be the new Senate President in the 130th General Assembly.  Senator Faber previously served in the House and was elected to the Senate in 2007. 

In addition, Senator Chris Widener (R- Springfield) was elected president pro tempore, Senator Tom Patton (R- Strongsville) was reelected as majority floor leader and Senator Larry Obhof (R- Medina) was named majority whip. 

Senate Democrats voted to keep Senator Eric Kearney as minority leader.  They also voted to keep the rest of their leadership team.  Senator Joe Schiavoni (D- Youngstown) will continue as assistant minority leader, with Senator Nina Turner (D- Cleveland) as minority whip and Senator Edna Brown (D- Toledo), assistant minority whip. 

House

Representative William Batchelder (R- Medina) will continue as speaker of the House. Joining the Republican leadership team will be Representative Matt Huffman (R- Lima) as speaker pro tempore, Representative Barbara Sears (R- Sylvania) as majority floor leader, Representative John Adams (R- Sidney) as assistant majority floor leader, Representative Cheryl Grossman (R- Grove City) as majority whip, and Representative Jim Buchy (R- Greenville) as assistant majority whip. 

House Democrats voted to retain the current caucus leadership team for the 130th General Assembly with Representative Armond Budish (D- Beachwood) as minority leader. The remainder of the team includes Representative Matt Szollosi (D- Oregon) as assistant minority leader; Representative Tracy Heard (D- Columbus) as minority whip and Representative Debbie Phillips (D- Athens) as assistant minority whip. 

Congratulations to all elected to leadership positions.  We look forward to working with leadership and members of the 130th General Assembly on issues critical to heart disease and stroke.