COLUMBUS — State Rep. Derek Merrin (R., Monclova Township) will not vie for appointment to the 2nd District state Senate seat just vacated by Randy Gardner.
That leaves Rep. Theresa Gavarone (R., Bowling Green) as the only one of the three House members residing in the 2nd District still in the running. Sitting House members are often selected to fill Senate vacancies. Rep. Steve Arndt (R., Port Clinton) has said he’s not interested.
“My desire is to stay in the Ohio House of Representatives and stand with Speaker [Larry] Householder along with my colleagues,” Mr. Merrin said. “Our members are poised to shape state policy for future generations. I am excited to have a strong voice in the House advocating for tax reform, limited government, and transparency.”
Senate Republicans will accept applications for the vacancy through Jan. 25 for those residing in the district, which includes all of Wood, Ottawa, and Erie counties, the western suburbs of Lucas, and most of Fulton.
Mr. Gardner, after more than three decades in the Ohio House and Senate, this week joined Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration as the new chancellor of higher education.
First Published January 17, 2019, 4:52 p.m.
