Lawmakers Select Respective Caucus Leadership for 136th GA

Newly elected lawmakers of the 136th General Assembly (2025-2026) gathered in Columbus right before breaking for Thanksgiving Holiday for training provided by the Legislative Service Commission (LSC) and to participate in selecting leadership for their respective caucuses. Most notably, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) was unanimously chosen as the next Ohio House Speaker by the House GOP in a swift, unopposed election. This development follows current Speaker Jason Stephens’ withdrawal from the race leaving Huffman as the sole nominee. Huffman emphasized that the caucus, not him, would drive an aggressive conservative agenda.

His leadership team includes a larger-than-usual slate to enhance communication, featuring Rep. Gayle Manning as speaker pro tem and Rep. Riordan McClain as the highest-ranking whip. Huffman, returning to the House for his second stint, could potentially serve as speaker for eight years. He plans to prioritize school choice, higher education reform, tax policy, and professional licensure. Addressing past communication challenges, he aims to foster better coordination within the caucus. Discussions and announcements about future committee roles will take place in the new year.

House Republican Leadership

  • Speaker of the House of Representatives: Matt Huffman (R-Lima)
  • Speaker Pro Tem: Rep. Gayle Manning (R-N. Ridgeville)
  • Assistant Speaker Pro Tem: Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton)
  • Majority Leader: Rep. Marylin John (R-Shelby)
  • Assistant Majority Leader: Rep. Adam Bird (R-Cincinnati)
  • Majority Whips:
    • Rep. Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.)
    • Rep. Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky)
    • Rep. Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.)
    • Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.)

Leadership for the other legislative caucuses is also set for Ohio’s 136th GA, with Senate Republicans electing Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) as Senate president and Democrats largely maintaining their existing leadership teams. These leadership roles will be finalized on January 6 during the opening session. Key positions include:

  • Senate Republican Leadership
    • Senate President: Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon)
    • President Pro Tempore: Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin)
    • Majority Floor Leader: Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green)
    • Majority Whip: Sen. George Lang (R-West Chester Twp.)
  • Senate Democratic Leadership
    • Senate Minority Leader: Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood)
    • Assistant Minority Leader: Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus)
    • Minority Whip: Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid)
    • Assistant Minority Whip: Senator-elect Beth Liston (D-Dublin)
  • House Democratic Leadership
    • House Minority Leader: Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington)
    • Assistant Minority Leader: Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus)
    • Minority Whip: Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati)
    • Assistant Minority Whip: Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo)