It’s the end of an era for Ohio House Democrats as their leader is stepping down from her role, opening the way for new leaders to chart a path forward.
Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, has served in the role since January 2022. However, she is not eligible to run for re-election to the Ohio House due to legislative term limits.
The lawmaker said she is leaving the leadership team at the end of the month before the scheduled legislative summer break to facilitate a smooth transition and seized the opportunity to throw shade at state Republicans.
“Serving as the Ohio House Minority leader for the last three and a half years has been an incredible honor,” Russo said in a statement. “It has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding positions I’ve had the privilege to hold.
“This role has allowed me to shape our Democratic policy priorities, be an unwavering voice for the needs of Ohio working families, and recruit talented new legislators and a team of hardworking staff to carry out these priorities,” Russo added. “I owe so much to my Democratic colleagues in the House and to the voters in my district and all across Ohio who have shown me support as we have fought for working Ohioans in the face of a very hostile and extreme Republican majority.”
In a lengthy statement, Russo said she and colleagues stood strong “in the face of attacks on our most basic rights and values.” She took credit for Democrats fighting for democracy, opposing an attempt to raise the threshold for citizen ballot initiatives to 60%.
“Every strong leader knows the importance of a thoughtful transition,” Russo said. “At the beginning of this session, I communicated to members that I wanted to remain in leadership through the important state operating budget negotiations, and that work will be completed by the end of this month.
“Going into the summer legislative break and remaining portion of the General Assembly session, it is important that I give the next leadership team ample time to thoughtfully and carefully plan how to navigate our Caucus priorities after this budget cycle and to continue building our effort to pick up more seats for Democrats in the Ohio House in 2026,” Russo added. “I will continue to fully support our Caucus in all of those efforts, but I will do it in an advisory role so that I can focus on completing the policy work I am most passionate about and serving my district.”
Russo was elected in November 2018, capturing a previously held Republican seat. She was selected as the House Minority Leader in 2022 and served as the top Democrat during three General Assemblies and with three different Republican House Speakers.
“As head of the Democratic Caucus in the Ohio House, Leader Russo has been a dedicated advocate for working-class Ohioans and a fighter for fairness and justice in our state,” Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio, D-Lakewood, said in a statement. “During a time of unearned, artificial Republican supermajorities in the General Assembly, her leadership has been an example of resilience, strategic vision, and commitment to our Democratic values," she added.
“I have enjoyed working with Leader Russo in our respective leadership roles as the top Democrats in the legislature,” Antonio continued. “I am confident that her voice will remain critical in shaping Ohio’s future, and I look forward to working with the next leader who will inherit the strong foundation she built in the House.”
Russo’s name has been included on the list of possible Democratic gubernatorial candidates for next year’s election. However, Russo said she plans to focus on her constituents and spend time with her family before her son heads off to college this fall.
“Any decisions regarding my political future, will come at a later time,” Russo said.
