Lima's Matt Huffman to lead Ohio House

Lima's Matt Huffman, who currently serves as President of the Ohio Senate, will now become Speaker of the Ohio House with the start of the 136th general assembly in January. Members of the House Republican Caucus unanimously elected Huffman during a meeting in Columbus on Wednesday evening.  On Monday, the current speaker of the Ohio House, Jason Stephens, withdrew from the Speakers race. That move helped to clear the way for Huffman, who served as Speaker Pro-Tempore during a preview stint in the Ohio House under then Speaker of the Ohio House the late William Batchelder. Matt Huffman is also a former Lima City Council President. Huffman has served as President of the Ohio Senate since January 2021. Republicans will hold a 65 to 34 advantage over Democrats in the Ohio House with the next general assembly.