Senator Bill Harris (Ashland) will lead the Senate through the 126th General Assembly, as he won a quick endorsement from the GOP caucus this week. There was a detailed discussion over the number two spot, which led to a tie between Senators Randy Gardner (Toledo) and Jeff Jacobson (Dayton) that was resolved by creating two new leadership positions. Senator Jacobson, who dropped his bid for the Senate presidency last summer over revelations that he had worked with two GOP fund-raisers under investigation, ended up with the president pro tem slot. Senator Gardner was elected assistant president pro tem and Senator Robert Spada (R-N. Royalton) as majority whip. Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) was installed as the Number Five on leadership and Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark), the current assistant president pro tem, as the Number Six.
Senator C.J. Prentiss (D-Cleveland) was selected minority leader as expected. The remainder of the slate had already lined up votes and remained unchanged. Senator Mark Mallory (D-Cincinnati) will serve as assistant minority leader, Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) as minority whip and Senator Bob Hagan (D-Youngstown) as assistant minority whip.
The Senate caucuses' finalization of their teams leaves only House Democrats to endorse their slate. House Democrats meet next Tuesday to finalize their team, but Minority Leader Chris Redfern (D-Catawba Island) said he has the votes to maintain his.