Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens Steps Down, Triggers New Leadership Race

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ā€” Republican Jason Stephens, who has presided for the past two years over one of the most tumultuous periods in recent Ohio House history, said Monday that he will not seek another term as speaker. Stephens, 53, made the announcement during a Statehouse news conference, where he highlighted legislative accomplishments and praised his staff. His withdrawal sets the stage for a heated speakership contest ahead of a caucus vote scheduled for Wednesday. "As far as Iā€™m concerned, this really resets the entire race, and, you know, itā€™s really a new speakerā€™s race over the next 48 hours," Stephens remarked. Candidates eyeing the seat include Republican Senate President Matt Huffman, who recently secured an unopposed House seat, as well as State Reps. Ron Ferguson and Tim Barhorst. In January 2023, Stephens notably secured the speakership with backing from all 32 House Democrats and a minority of the Republican caucus, despite the chamberā€™s GOP supermajority