Dani Isaacsohn selected as new House Minority Leader by Ohio House Democratic Caucus

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus has unanimously elected Rep. Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, as its next Minority Leader, replacing Allison Russo. The leadership changes, confirmed by caucus vote Monday and ratified by the full House on Tuesday, set a new tone for Democrats preparing for the upcoming midterm election cycle.

At 36 years old, Isaacsohn brings a progressive, millennial perspective to the role. Since joining the House in January 2023, he has risen quickly, serving as Minority Whip since April 2024 and asserting himself as a driving force on key legislative committees, including Judiciary, Finance and Energy. A Yale-trained lawyer and Georgetown alumnus, he also founded Cohear, a Cincinnati-based civic engagement organization, and co-founded Ohio’s Jewish Caucus. His priorities center on affordable housing, educational opportunity, greater government transparency and criminal justice reform.

“This is a moment to fight for the people of Ohio,” Isaacsohn said in a statement following his election. “Our caucus is focused on delivering tangible results, holding power accountable and expanding opportunity across our state.” He added that he was “incredibly grateful for the leadership and trust” shown by his colleagues.

Outgoing Minority Leader Allison Russo, limited by term restrictions and expected to make a future run for higher office, praised Isaacsohn’s leadership. “Dani is a thoughtful, strategic, and fierce advocate,” she said. “His election ensures continuity in our commitment to working families.” Russo, first elected minority leader in 2022, emphasized that earlier leadership transitions were made to “prepare for the midterms,” noting, “We’ve been intentional about building our bench.” 

Along with Isaacsohn, the caucus elevated Rep. Phil Robinson, D‑Solon, to Assistant Minority Leader, Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, D‑Gahanna, to Minority Whip and Desiree Tims, D‑Dayton, to Assistant Whip—solidifying a leadership team with diverse geographic reach and legislative experience.

Republicans responded cautiously. Former House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, congratulated Isaacsohn but warned the new leadership should focus on pragmatic solutions rather than political posturing. “Transition periods are a good time for reflection,” he said, urging Democrats to “engage constructively on the issues Ohioans care about—jobs, education, and public safety.”

GOP House Minority Whip Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) noted Isaacsohn’s relative inexperience but stopped short of dismissing him. “Leadership is earned, not just elected,” Hoops said. “We’ll see if he embraces bipartisan opportunities or doubles down on divisive politics.”

Representative Josh Williams, R-Toledo, told Ohio.news, “I congratulate Representative Dani Isaacsohn on his new role as Minority Leader in the Ohio House. We’ve collaborated on meaningful legislation before, and I look forward to continuing that work together to better the lives of all Ohioans.”

Isaacsohn’s elevation comes amid closely watched state contests. The 24th District seat flips Russo’s former position—key battleground precincts are in his purview. Democrats hope Isaacsohn’s leadership will energize their base and strengthen policy proposals targeting accessible housing, criminal justice reform, and economic equity.

On policy, expect a sharper focus on transparency initiatives such as strengthened legislative disclosure requirements, public benefits safeguards, and tighter oversight of state contracts. Isaacsohn also has identified gun regulation legislation and housing affordability as upcoming caucus priorities. He told reporters that, under his guidance, “we plan to introduce a slate of bills that have real, measurable impact”, with more details following the official floor vote.

Political analysts see Isaacsohn’s selection as both symbolic and strategic. His age, professional background, and civic engagement message align with a broader Democratic effort to court younger, urban voters. Meanwhile, Russo's seamless support suggests a coordinated effort to position Democrats as forward-looking and unified.

However, Republicans are expected to exploit Isaacsohn’s rapid rise, pointing to his freshman status and relative lack of statewide exposure. Analysts argue that Ohio continues to lean conservative at the state level—the challenge for Democrats will be moving beyond signature messaging to legislative victories that span parts of rural Ohio.

Isaacsohn will begin steering the caucus with days to spare before key midterm campaigns ramp up. His first public test in the official role will come later this summer when the House takes up hot‑button bills on public benefits and gun regulation.

With Dani Isaacsohn now at the helm, Ohio House Democrats are signaling a generational shift and a sharpened legislative agenda. Whether the new minority leader can translate ambition into action will shape Ohio’s legislative landscape into 2026, and perhaps beyond.