Ohio House Dems elected veteran lawmaker new leader

COLUMBUS (AP) — Democrats in the Ohio House have elected a veteran state lawmaker with experience in both the House and Senate as their leader for the next legislative session.

State Rep. Fred Strahorn, of Dayton, was elected to the minority party’s highest post on Tuesday.

Strahorn is in his second consecutive term in the House. He previously spent eight years in the House beginning in 2000, and two years filling an unexpired term in the state Senate.

Besides legislative service, Strahorn has worked in real estate, government affairs and as a Democratic political adviser.

Democrats also picked state Rep. Nicholas Celebrezze of Parma as assistant Democratic leader; state Rep. and former state treasurer Kevin Boyce of Columbus as whip; and state Rep. Nickie Antonio of Lakewood as assistant whip.