COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 134th General Assembly features a number of newly-elected members in the House of Representatives and Senate.​ In the House, there are 22 lawmakers serving at the state level for the first time.​

One freshman representative is now the youngest serving democrat at the Statehouse.

Willis Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) was sworn in to his first term with the Ohio House of Representatives in January. He represents the state's 39th House District in southwest Ohio, which includes most of the city of Dayton and Jefferson Township. Blackshear is a former outreach specialist at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office.

"I was prepared for this moment even before I was born," said Blackshear.​

Blackshear learned the political ropes from his father, Willis Sr., who had a 30-year career of public service in Montgomery County.

"He always told me put others before yourself and do what you can to help improve your community," Blackshear said.

That is why Willis Jr. said he ran for state representative. Blackshear is only 28 years old, but he believes that is a positive.

"I'm full of energy,” Blackshear said. “A lot of people say that I'm always everywhere. Well, I have all of that energy built up in me and I'm just ready to use it.”

Blackshear wants to use his energy to get teachers a raise and fix the school funding model, reform the criminal justice system, specifically, end cash bail, make college more affordable, raise the minimum wage, and expand Medicaid.

"It's not just about passing bills, but as a member of the minority party, I'm able to find common ground with my colleagues on the other side," said Blackshear.

Blackshear feels if Gov. Mike DeWine had listened to health experts sooner, the state would be in a better place with the pandemic. However, he said he is not a supporter of Senate Bill 22, which would give legislative oversight of the governor's executive orders.

"I hope that he will learn from possibly his past mistakes and also, two, if there is a new governor that will be coming in...they will be able to be more effective if a crisis like this does occur again," Blackshear said.

Blackshear is also in favor of a full repeal of House Bill 6, the taxpayer-funded bailout of two nuclear power plants in Ohio and feels Larry Householder should be removed from the legislature.

He said he will know he has had a successful two-year term, "If I made my district better after two years than it was before I got into office."