Black Dem Ohio lawmaker sues party, chairman

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Cleveland state lawmaker has filed suit against the Ohio Democratic Party and its outgoing chairman, alleging he was defamed and politically punished for challenging institutional racism.

State Rep. John E. Barnes Sr., who is black, filed suit Monday in Franklin County court against Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern and the party.

Redfern announced his resignation on Election Night after Democrats suffered bad losses, including Redfern’s Ohio House seat.

The lawsuit alleges Barnes faced retribution — in the form of lost committee assignments and a nasty opposition campaign in the spring primary — because he refused to join or work through the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. Barnes says he was prohibited from dealing directly with Democratic House leaders who were white.

A message seeking comment was left with the party.