Strahorn to step down as House Democratic Leader
House Democratic Leader Fred
Strahorn (D-Dayton) last week issued the following statement
announcing his plans to step down as House Democratic leader
at the end of January, after four years of serving as the
Ohio House's top ranking Democrat:
"I don't take today's
announcement lightly, because I'm proud of the rebuilding
and growth Ohio House Democrats have experienced under my
leadership. After a decade of being denied a seat at the
table with Republicans, we changed our direction in the
legislature by engaging better with the majority on the
official side and working overtime on the political side,
which resulted in a net gain of five Democratic legislators
in the House. Ultimately, 11.5 million Ohioans have a
stronger voice and a more responsive government because of
that approach. |
Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) |
"The caucus' success over
the last four years is shared among the talented,
hardworking members and staff who each sacrificed and gave
their all to further our goals of growing the middle class
and ensuring working people and working families have a real
opportunity for a better life in our state.
"I want to thank former
Speaker Ryan Smith for his inclusiveness, leadership and
shared commitment to making our state better. Though we have
disagreed on the best approach at times, I believe Ryan is a
man of principled integrity.
"As we move forward I am
hopeful for the caucus' continued success and will look to
contribute toward that success. My decision to step down is
bittersweet, but it is made sweeter knowing that I will have
more time to spend with my loved ones and more time to focus
on the issues that are personally important to me. I thank
all the members for their trust in me over the last four
years, and I look forward to this next chapter, both for
myself and for the Ohio House of Representatives."
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