House Democrats announce new leadership team for 133rd General Assembly
The Ohio House Democratic Caucus today announced its leadership team for the 133rd General Assembly. In an all-caucus vote, Dems elected current Democratic Whip and state Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) as the next Democratic leader.
“Ohioans want leaders who put people first, who know how to work together to get things done,” said Sykes. “I am humbled by the support of this caucus and look forward to working with this leadership team, members, staff and my Republican colleagues over the next two years to improve the lives of Ohio’s children, families and workers.”
Joining Sykes will be Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) as the next Assistant Minority Leader, her first leadership post since joining the Ohio House in 2015.
“I am excited to join this leadership team and look forward to working together on the issues that matter most to everyday Ohioans—issues like attracting good-paying jobs, protecting healthcare and improving our children’s education,” said Boggs.
Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid), elected to be the next Minority Whip, formerly served as the caucus’s policy chair during the 132nd General Assembly. He is serving in his third term as state representative.
“I am honored to join this leadership team and am committed to fight for Ohio's working families with my Democratic colleagues as we forge a new path to grow opportunities for the 11.5 million Ohioans that we serve,” said Smith.
State Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), a former Toledo mayor and current state rep. serving her first term, rounds out the caucus’s leadership team as the next Assistant Whip.
“I am grateful to the caucus members for their support,” said Hicks-Hudson. “We have an incredible opportunity this General Assembly to make a difference in the lives of everyday Ohioans by giving a voice to the voiceless and continuing to move our state forward.”
A formal all-House vote on Democratic and Republican House leadership will take place Feb. 6.