New Ohio General Assembly Convenes

[January 2019]

(January 2019) The 133rd Ohio General Assembly convened January 7, with both chambers conducting swearing-in ceremonies and electing their leadership.

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Larry Householder (R-Glenford) narrowly edged out incumbent Rep. Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) to take the speaker spot. The months-long battle between the two ended in a 52-46 vote that hinged on the Democrats. Householder served as House speaker from 2001-2004.

Smith initially won the Speakership in June after 11 rounds of voting. He had succeeded former Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, who resigned in April amid an FBI investigation.

In his acceptance speech, Householder pledged to work with both Smith and minority leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton), who took his name out of the running earlier in the day. He also said he would hire a dedicated human resources professional, livestream committee meetings, and change rules so that amendments cannot be tabled without discussion.

In the Senate, Sen. Larry Obhof (R-Medina) was sworn in for a second term as president. His leadership team includes Sens. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House); Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green); and Matt Huffman (R-Lima).

Republicans hold a majority in the 133rd General Assembly, including a supermajority in the Ohio Senate.

Printer-Friendly Version