Rep. Jennifer Gross, of West Chester Twp., bested Democrat Chuck Horn, of West Chester Twp., winning 66.2% to 33.8%, in the 97-precinct 45th House District, which will represent the southern border of Butler County, including West Chester Twp., Fairfield, and Ross Twp.
“Once again, our elections demonstrate that Ohio is a place where all things are possible,” said Gross. “Our state is alive and engaged and ready to tackle the current political climate and challenge.”
Gross said she will “work to find ways to support life in Ohio with a strong business climate, secure our borders, and give relief to Ohioans’ budgets and bottom line.”
Additionally, she plans to focus on educational choice for Ohio parents, address the fentanyl crisis and protect life.
“I look forward to my 16th townhall Monday and will continue rolling up my sleeves and liking arms with those who desire to partner with their voice in Columbus,” she said.
Rep. Thomas Hall, of Madison Twp., beat out Democrat Lawrence Mulligan Jr., of Middletown, winning 68.05% to 31.95% in the 91-precinct 46th district, which includes Middletown, Monroe, Liberty Twp., Madison Twp., St. Clair Twp., and New Miami.
Hall said he spent the summer meeting people in the newly drawn 46th House District, and thankful for the support of friends, family, and voters “that have stuck with me.”
“The world we’re in, it’s not an easy world in politics,” he said. “It’s my turn to go (back to Columbus) to show them why I was the best choice.”
Hall said there are a lot of things he wants to address in the new term, but admitted the number one priority before the term starts is for the Republican caucus to choose the next Ohio Speaker of the House to succeed Rep. Bob Cupp, who is term-limited.
“I say that because the speaker is going to control a lot of policy that we’re going to push and set the agenda (for the next two years),” he said. “We’ll set our agenda accordingly, once we figure out who the next speaker’s going to be.”
Rep. Sara Carruthers, of Hamilton, defeated Democrat Sam Lawrence, of Oxford, 66.9% to 33.1%, in the 91-precinct 47th House District, which will represent the cities of Hamilton and Oxford and the townships of Hanover, Fairfield, Reily, and Oxford.
“I really tried to keep it positive, and I think people saw that,” said Carruthers. “I’m so deeply honored (to be re-elected to a third term), I truly am.”
Heading into her next term, she wants to make sure to re-introduce House Bill 3, known as Aisha’s Law, if she can’t get it passed through the Senate during lame duck. This is an important bill for her friend and co-sponsor, former Rep. Janine Boyd, a Democrat from Cleveland Heights.
Also, in the next General Assembly, Carruther wants to focus on addressing mental illness, and homelessness issues facing the county.
“We can do better,” she said. “I really think we can do better. We need a plan.”
New to representing Butler County in 2023 will be the 40th Ohio House District, which will represent Milford and Wayne townships, as well as the city of Trenton. Rep. Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, beat Democrat Amy Cox, 72.3% to 27.%, which is close to the same margin among Butler County voters (79.8% to 20.2%).
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