Butler out, Antani in, others maybe for GOP primary in Ohio Senate

But that doesn’t mean Antani, R-Miamisburg, has a clear shot at the nomination.

State lawmaker and Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Phil Plummer said two other Republicans are weighing whether to get into the race: Greg Robinson and Rachel Selby.

“I don’t know yet who is in and who is out,” Plummer said. “There has been a lot of debate about this seat, a lot of interest. But no one has totally committed (to running) except for Niraj.”

Robinson, owner of HCS Inc., a medical billing firm, said late Monday that he will not run for the seat.

Selby, a fundraiser for Dayton Children’s Hospital, said she’ll comment “very soon” about her plans.

Lehner represents the 6th district, which covers parts of Montgomery County including Kettering, Miamisburg, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and part of the Interstate-70 corridor.

Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus campaign director Rachel Coyle said two U.S. Air Force veterans — Mark Fogel and Albert Griggs — plan to seek the Democratic party nomination for the seat.

“We are looking at this as a flip-able district. It’s one of my top five or top three,” Coyle said. Democrats are targeting suburban districts that are trending blue. Coyle points to the positive reception in the district of Lehner’s new, more moderate views on gun restrictions.

Butler, who is holds the number two leadership post in the Ohio House, said he decided to pursue opportunities in the private sector and may consider future public service posts.

The Republicans currently hold 24 of 33 seats in the Ohio Senate and 61 of 99 seats in the Ohio House.