Ohio’s Senate President Matt Huffman to Assume House Speaker Role in January
LIMA, OH — Republican Matt Huffman, currently serving as the president of Ohio’s Senate, is set to take the helm as the speaker of Ohio’s House in January 2024. Given his political acumen and the current disarray within the Democratic Party, analysts predict Huffman could maintain this influential position for eight years, potentially the longest since former Ohio House Speaker Vern Riffe held office from 1975 to 1994.
As Huffman steps into this role, Ohio will likely see a shift in political leadership, with elections for a new governor and potentially a new U.S. senator taking place before his speakership concludes in 2033. Under his influence, Republican Rob McColley is expected to succeed him as Senate president, further consolidating GOP power in the state.
Huffman, a Notre Dame graduate and seasoned politician with deep family ties in Ohio Republican politics, is well-known for his role in drawing district maps that favor Republican candidates. His leadership is anticipated to bring a strategic focus on key policy issues, particularly regarding Ohio’s school choice program. Huffman is a staunch supporter of state-funded vouchers for nonpublic schools despite ongoing constitutional debates.
Additionally, discussions surrounding the abolishment of Ohio’s income tax are expected during Huffman’s first session as speaker, which poses significant implications for state spending and funding for education.
Despite challenges faced by the GOP in the past due to internal divisions, Huffman’s calculated approach suggests a fast-paced and strategically driven legislative session ahead. With his adept maneuvering, political observers are keen to see how Huffman’s leadership will shape Ohio’s political landscape in the years to come.
Thomas Suddes writes from Athens. For inquiries, he can be reached at tsuddes@cleveland.com.
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