Ohio Speaker Jason Stephens to Withdraw from Race?

Tim Barhorst, An Actual Conservative Alternative, Emerges to Bring Caucus Back Together

As I write this Speaker Jason Stephens has scheduled a rare, 2pm Monday news conference. You will be able to stream the news conference live on the Ohio Channel.

It has been reported by State Representative Ron Ferguson that Speaker Stephens will formally withdraw as a candidate for Speaker for the next Ohio General Assembly. I have been proud to stand with Speaker Stephens for the past two years as he sought to bring the GOP caucus back together. Unfortunately, while much progress was made, many of the efforts were unsuccessful.

Great leaders put the cause over their personal ambitions. And I couldn’t be prouder of my Southeastern Ohio friend for doing so now.

Meanwhile, State Representative Tim Barhorst has emerged as a conservative alternative to the Matt Huffman juggernaut. Unlike Huffman, Barhorst has an A rating on medical freedom issues and is a solid conservative. Even more importantly, Barhorst cannot serve for 8 years as Speaker, is liked by both sides of the GOP caucus, and can bring everyone back together and working again.

The Ohio House Republican Caucus is expected to meet and vote on their nominees for House leadership on Wednesday. I will keep you apprised of what I learn and hear.

Scott Pullins