Program Directory

Columbus Metropolitan Club - 9-6-2023 - Ohio's Political Future From The House Speaker's Chair

Can the leader of Ohio's House of Representatives help connect the state's political polar opposites and bridge the widening gap between Ohio's left and right? As State House Speaker, Jason Stephens is one of Ohio's most powerful politicians and brings to the position a reputation as a moderate Republican in an era of scorched-earth politics. His surprise emergence as House Speaker came after a bipartisan deal with State House Democrats early this year torpedoed the prospects of State Representative Derrick Merrin, who previously had been expected to become speaker.

With Ohio's Issue 1 championed by conservatives but soundly defeated in the August special election, bringing Ohio's left and right together to keep state government working may be more challenging than ever before. A reproductive rights constitutional amendment and a statute to legalize marijuana are now headed to the November ballot and will likely further wedge the two sides apart. Is the art of compromise dead in Ohio politics for now?

With House Speaker Jason Stephens as our special guest, we dive into the present and future of Ohio's political climate with veteran Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler.

September 6, 2023