Ohio House Democratic Caucus selects new leadership team

The Ohio House Democratic caucus held an evening session Tuesday night to select its leadership for the upcoming 128th General Assembly. Ohio House Democratic Minority Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) announced Tuesday evening that caucus members had unanimously elected state Rep. Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) as the next speaker of the house.

"I am proud and humbled to lead our Caucus into the next General Assembly as we continue the work to turn around Ohio," Budish said. "We partnered with Governor Strickland over the past two years to lay the groundwork for positive change. I look forward to working with him, President Harris, Minority Leader Batchelder, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue building the foundation for long-term prosperity and success in Ohio."

Budish's fundraising prowess and campaign efforts had helped the caucus gain at least five seats on Election Day, securing a Democratic House majority for the first time in 14 years.

Joining Budish in leadership will be state Rep. Matt Szollosi (D-Toledo) as speaker pro tempore, state Rep. Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta) as majority floor leader, state Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus) as assistant majority floor leader, state Rep. Jay Goyal (D-Mansfield) as majority whip and state Rep. Allan Sayre (D-Dover) as assistant majority whip.

"This leadership team will work tirelessly to steer our state through this challenging time and set a course for prosperity and opportunity," Budish said. "The voters trust them, I trust them, and I can't wait to get started pursuing the goals and solutions important to all Ohioans."

Beatty, who will leave the House at the end of the year because of term limits, reflected on the transfer of power and the potential of the new Democratic Caucus.

"I see wonderful promise in our new House Administration to craft policies that improve the quality of life for Ohioans in every corner of our state," Beatty said. "Speaker-Elect Budish's priorities are in line with the concerns and challenges of our citizens, and I know he and his leadership team are committed to facing those issues head-on, in a bipartisan manner, and finding common-sense solutions."

Beatty said she was proud of the legacy she's leaving behind in the Ohio House, which she called one of service sacrifice and success on behalf of the people of Ohio.

"This new majority is the perfect capper to my legislative career, and I am very confident that we will see great things in the next General Assembly," Beatty said.

Szollosi said his new role will be one of the great thrills of his professional life.

"Speaker-elect Budish and I are working very closely to craft an agenda that addresses the needs and concerns of all Ohioans," Szollosi said. "I am very confident that the leadership team our caucus has chosen will be very effective in bringing the change our state desperately needs."

Szollosi committed to working with the Democratic majority to give a new voice to the middle class.

"We pledge to work in a bipartisan fashion - with Governor Strickland, President Harris and Minority Leader Batchelder - to represent our citizens well and bridge legislative gaps that will help our neighbors live better lives," he said.

Garrison called her new role a wonderful opportunity for herself and the citizens of southeast Ohio.

"I am very appreciative of the trust Speaker-elect Budish and my colleagues put in me, and I vow to work hard to affect positive change that will lift up the middle class and bring opportunity and hope to all of Ohio," Garrison said.  "Our agenda will mirror the major concerns of our citizens: economic development, job creation, quality schools and affordable health care. We will work together with our friends across the aisle to develop solutions to these issues and position Ohio for great things for years to come."

Heard said she felt honored and blessed to receive the opportunity to serve in leadership at what she called such a critical time.

"Speaker-elect Budish and my new colleagues have placed a lot of faith in me, and I am ready for the work we need to do to provide positive change and opportunity across Ohio," Heard said. 

Heard's new responsibilities include assisting the majority floor leader in developing and implementing the caucus agenda.

"Voters spoke loud and clear two weeks ago: They want a new direction for Ohio," Heard said. "The middle class has a critical role in our future, and we will work tirelessly on the issues that affect them every day, such as jobs, schools and health care. People want common-sense, bipartisan solutions, and it's our job to answer that call." 

Goyal said he was humbled to have earned the trust of his colleagues to serve in his new position.

"The hard work of the last two years serves now as prelude to the job before us," Goyal said. "We have the ability now to affect incredible change that makes lives better across Ohio, and I can't wait to start." 

Goyal will be responsible as majority whip for monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the House floor.

"It is a cliché, but it's true: With great power comes greater responsibility," Goyal said. 

Sayre said he felt honored to be chosen by his peers to be a part of the leadership team.

"We have a lot of work to do to turn around Ohio, and I look forward to partnering with Governor Strickland and my House colleagues to find solutions to the issues important to all Ohioans," Sayre said. "I am so proud of all we have accomplished to bring a voice back to Ohio's middle class. This transition will set a great foundation for pursuing the change we need in our state."