Independent Agent Elected as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives

On January 3rd, State Representative Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) was elected Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives during the opening day ceremony for the 135th General Assembly.

Rep. Stephens has been a longtime independent agent and OIA member. After elected, Stephens addressed the chamber and took hold of the Speaker’s gavel.

“I pledge to respect and to work with each and every one of you to address the many concerns of our state…to recognize both challenges and opportunities, to develop real solutions, and to improve the lives of the people of Ohio,” Stephens said. “I pledge to always have an open door and listen. I encourage all to do the same.”

As speaker, Stephens will have significant power over which bills come before the House for votes and which might die in the committee process. He will assign chairs to committees as well as lead the majority through controversial issues.

In 2019, Stephens joined the Ohio House to fill the districts vacant seat. He has been an insurance agent since 1996 at Stephens & Son Insurance Agency, Inc. and is a co-owner of Stephens & Son Insurance of Chesapeake, Inc.

Over the last 3 years, Stephens has been actively engaged in OIA activities including IACON 22 as well as supportive on key issues affecting IA’s, insurance industry, and business community.

Stephens succeeds term-limited Rep. Bob Cupp, who was elected speaker in 2020 following the arrest of his predecessor Larry Householder who was arrested and charged with federal corruption.

Additionally, the Ohio House swore in State Representative Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) as the Speaker Pro Tempore.

If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Reid at lauren@ohioinsuranceagents.com.

Success Starts Here

Sign up for our newsletter today!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.