Jason C. Stephens is an American Republican politician who became the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives on January 3, 2023.[1][2] He has been the representative for the 93rd district since October 10, 2019, taking the seat after Ryan Smith left the House to become president of the University of Rio Grande.[3]
Jason Stephens | |
|---|---|
| 106th Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Robert R. Cupp |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 93rd district | |
| Assumed office October 10, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Ryan Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1971 (age 52–53) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Lipscomb University (BS) |
Political career
editStephens's election to Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives was an unexpected result, as he defeated far right Derek Merrin.[4][5][6] Stephens was able to secure election to the Speakership by receiving the votes of all of the Democratic caucus along with a third of the Republicans, even though he had previously lost an internal GOP caucus vote for leader.[7] Democratic Leader Allison Russo noted that the selection of Stephens did not come with a "grand deal" but that the Stephens would work with her caucus on items ranging from education policy to redistricting.[8]
In 2023, Stephens voted for legislation to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors and ban transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. The legislation was vetoed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, who argued that medical care should be left to families and their doctors, not be dictated by the government.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Jason C. Stephens Sworn in to Serve 93rd House District". Newark Advocate. October 10, 2019. Archived from the original on May 28, 2021.
- ^ "Representative Jason Stephens". OhioHouse.gov.
- ^ Ingles, Jo (September 26, 2019). "Former Leader of the Ohio House Resigns". Statehouse News Bureau.
- ^ "'Moderate' Republican Jason Stephens snatches Ohio House Speaker position in surprise upset". News 5 Cleveland WEWS. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Trau, Morgan (January 4, 2023). "'Moderate' Republican Jason Stephens snatches Ohio House Speaker position in surprise upset". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Pelzer, Jeremy (January 3, 2023). "Republican Jason Stephens elected Ohio House speaker thanks to Democratic support". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Pelzer, Jeremy (January 5, 2023). "Here's how Jason Stephens was elected Ohio House Speaker". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Staver, Anna (January 4, 2023). "Who is Jason Stephens? The new Republican Speaker of the Ohio House". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Hancock, Laura; Pelzer, Jeremy (December 29, 2023). "Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoes bill that would ban transgender health care for minors, athletes in women's sports". cleveland.
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