COLUMBUS, Ohio — Republicans at the Ohio Statehouse are maintaining their supermajority in both chambers.

What You Need To Know

  • Local Statehouse races were decided Tuesday night 

  • The Ohio House and Senate remain supermajority's in both chambers

  • According to Political Scientist Tom Sutton, the Speakership race could spark more discussion in the House chamber 

But it’s still unclear who will be the next Speaker of the Ohio House. Political Scientist Tom Sutton explains how the election results could play a pivotal role on who holds the gavel.

"We will see another version of what happened last year," Sutton said. "Quite different, but still, two members of the same party, both leaders, both vying for that Speakership." 

Sutton is referring to what happened two years ago when 22 Republicans sided with Democrats to elect State Representative Jason Stephens as Speaker of the Ohio House instead of State Representative Dererk Merrin, who had the support of the majority Republicans. Now, with Senate President Matt Huffman and Stephens both winning uncontested races on Tuesday, they are expected to go head-to-head for the position.

"I think the key is how many Republicans choose one or the other," Sutton said. "Depending on that number, will then depend on whether Democrats then become a factor in this." 

Sutton expects both Huffman and Stephens to campaign for the job over the the next couple of weeks. It could mean more coffee chats, lunches or discussions. Whoever controls the gavel will most likely impact future legislation across the Buckeye state. 

"It could be continuing to look at what's being taught in schools," Sutton said. "There's the transgender issue, each of which we've seen legislation already take place, but it may go further." 

Spectrum News 1 reached out to both Stephens and Huffman’s offices. Stephens' office did not comment on the topic. John Fortney, the Director of Communications for the Ohio Senate Majority, said Huffman is strictly focusing on the upcoming lame duck session that will take place in upcoming months.

"The decision could be made at some point either in December or the first week of January," Sutton said. "They have their inauguration. That happens right around that first week of January for every one that's coming into the chamber to be sworn in." 

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