COLUMBUS — State Rep. Theresa Gavarone (R., Bowling Green) confirmed Friday that she will seek the Ohio Senate seat being vacated by veteran Sen. Randy Gardner.
Mr. Gardner will become the next chancellor of higher education under incoming Gov. Mike DeWine.
Ms. Gavarone has just begun her second two-year term in the House, succeeding as a legislative freshman in getting a number of her bills signed into law by Gov. John Kasich in the just-completed session.
“ … I look forward to the opportunity to serve a larger population and play a bigger role in ensuring North and Northwest Ohio continues to be an amazing place to live, work, and raise a family,” the attorney and former Bowling Green City councilman said.
The 2nd Senate District includes the western suburbs of Lucas County, most of Fulton County, and all of Wood and Erie counties.
Once Mr. Gardner officially resigns after 33 years in the General Assembly, Senate Republicans will launch their search for someone to complete the nearly two years left in his four-year term. The Senate has often looked to House members residing in the Senate district when filling vacancies.
Should Ms. Gavarone be selected, it would in turn create a vacancy to be filled in the 3rd House District representing Wood County.
First Published January 11, 2019, 10:23 p.m.