Matt Huffman elected speaker of Ohio House; sworn in at organizational session

Matt Huffman was elected speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives for the 136th General Assembly and was sworn in during the house’s organizational session on Jan. 6, 2025. The clerk reported 96 affirmative votes and 0 negative votes on the nomination.

The election followed a formal nomination and second on the floor. Representative Phil Plummer nominated Huffman, citing his past leadership and vouching that Huffman “will allow us to have our voice to serve our constituents.” Representative Kevin Ritter seconded the nomination and described Huffman as someone who “always took my calls” and who had supported colleagues during emergencies.

The chair invited Huffman to the bar of the house, and the oath of office was administered by the Hon. Alice M. Batchelder, senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. After taking the oath, Huffman addressed the chamber, framing his approach to leadership as service to members and to the people of Ohio.

Huffman said he was “committed to a professional, fact-based and thorough process in our analysis of the law and the bills that come before us,” and that his goal was clarity and resolution. He told members he would try to ensure “everyone is fairly heard, and ultimately we move forward on an effective professional decision-making process.”

The session proceeded with additional organizational business after Huffman’s swearing-in.

The nominations, vote counts, and administration of the oath were recorded in the journal of the house.