COLUMBUS — Bowling Green Republican Theresa Gavarone was sworn in Wednesday to replace former Sen. Randy Gardner, triggering a search for her replacement in the Ohio House.
The 52-year-old attorney, former city councilman, and small business co-owner was unanimously elected by her now-fellow Senate Republicans to fill the vacancy created in the 2nd District when Mr. Gardner recently became Gov. Mike DeWine’s chancellor of higher education.
The district includes all of Wood, Ottawa, and Erie counties; western Lucas County; and most of Fulton County.
Ms. Gavarone, who recently began her second full two-year term in the House, thanked her family and spoke of her predecessor, who spent 33 years in both chambers of the General Assembly.
“He’s been a tremendous friend and mentor, and I’ve learned so much from the few years that I’ve worked with him,” she said. “And I hope we continue working together closely on education issues and other issues important to people in the 2nd District.”
State Sen. Matt Huffman (R., Lima) was then promoted from majority whip to replace Mr. Gardner as Senate majority whip, the third-highest leadership post among Republicans. He is the only northwest Ohio Republican in leadership in either chamber.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Larry Householder (R., Glenford) named a screening committee to begin the search for Ms. Gavarone’s replacement in the 3rd House District representing Wood County.
The committee will be chaired by Rep. Derek Merrin (R., Monclova Township) and will include Reps. Bob Cupp (R., Lima), Jon Cross (R., Kenton), and Tracy Richardson (R., Marysville). House Republicans will accept resumes and cover letters until Feb. 15. Interviews will be conducted the following week.
Also in the House on Wednesday, freshman Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson, Toledo’s former mayor, was formally sworn in as House assistant minority whip, a move that places the freshman legislator in the No. 4 leadership post among Democrats.
First Published February 6, 2019, 9:25 p.m.