COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jo Ann Davidson, former Ohio Speaker of the House, died Friday, a statement from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office confirms.

She was 97.

What You Need To Know

  • Former Ohio Speaker of the House, Jo Ann Davidson, died Friday at 97

  • Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed the news in a statement issued by his office

  • The Ohio Statehouse website notes that she served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1980 through 2001

“Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of our dear friend Jo Ann Davidson,” DeWine said in the statement. “Jo Ann dedicated her life to public service and the people of Ohio, a model public servant who was full of wit, intelligence, class, and skill.  She was a trailblazer in the truest sense, beginning her career on Reynoldsburg’s city council in the 1960s and making history in 1995 as Ohio’s first female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.”

According to the Ohio Statehouse website, Davidson served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1980 until 2001 in the Republican party. She was also elected as co-chair of the Republican National Committee in 2005.

In his statement, DeWine highlighted the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute, where he said she “guided nearly 500 of Ohio’s up-and-coming Republican women on core leadership skills.”

The Statehouse website also notes a number of recognitions she received, including:

  • Outstanding Legislator in 1988 from United Conservatives of Ohio
  • Watchdog of the Treasury Award from United Conservatives of Ohio
  • Legislator of the Year (1991) from the National Republican Legislators Association
  • Women's Hall of Fame induction (1991)
  • YWCA Woman of Achievement Award
  • Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Ohio University

“Although we mourn Jo Ann’s death, Fran and I take comfort in knowing that she will live on through those she mentored, and her legacy will be remembered by everyone who passes by her portrait on the wall of the House Chamber at the Ohio Statehouse," DeWine said in the statement. "We extend our sincere condolences to her family.” 

Current Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-District 93, also issued a statement on Davidson's death:

“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Speaker Jo Ann Davidson. As a true trailblazer, Speaker Davidson's legacy is one of strength, grace, and servant leadership. She fostered a culture of mentorship that changed the lives of many for the better. I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jo Ann Davidson.”

Ohio Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Stivers issued a statement saying they were sad to learn of her death.

"Speaker Davidson was a trailblazer for women in Ohio government," Stivers said in the statement. "As the first woman elected Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, she paved the way for all women who dreamed of a career in public service. The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute allowed many women, some of whom serve in today’s Legislature, to assume more prominent roles in a field that remains largely male-dominated. Speaker Davidson’s influence will persist in our state forever. We are grateful for her lifelong partnership and her resounding impact.”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also issued the following statement:

"Speaker Davidson was a great public servant for all Ohioans, but a special advocate for women – first a pioneer, then as a mentor to an entire generation of leaders. Her dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to empowering others will be remembered and cherished. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire us all."