Politicos on the Move: Nov. 20, 2022

Matt Dolan indicated that he’s preparing to run against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown in 2024.  

Ohio Senate Republican Caucus for the 135th General Assembly Tuesday unanimously reelected Sen. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) Senate president. Also elected were include Sens. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) as president pro tempore, Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) as majority floor leader, and Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) as majority whip.  

Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova) will be the next House speaker. Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) will serve as speaker pro-tempore; Rep. Scott Wiggam (R-Wooster) will serve as majority floor leader; Rep. Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield) will serve as assistant majority floor leader; Rep. Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) will serve as majority whip; and Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) will serve as assistant majority whip. 

Senate Democrats announced Lakewood Sen. Nickie Antonio, who will replace the outgoing Sen. Kenny Yuko. Sen. Hearcel Craig, of Columbus, was chosen as assistant minority leader, Senator-elect Kent Smith was chosen as minority whip and Senator-elect Paula Hicks-Hudson was chosen as assistant minority whip.  

Senator-elect Paula Hicks-Hudson is set to be appointed on Wednesday to finish the term of Ohio Sen. Teresa Fedor. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus announced on Tuesday that Hicks-Hudson would finish the term, which ends on Dec. 31. Fedor retired from the Senate effective Oct. 31 as she pursued election to the Ohio State Board of Education. Hicks-Hudson was elected to a four-year Senate term set to begin in January.