Craig Re-elected as Assistant Democratic Leader for 136th General Assembly

This week, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus voted on and announced caucus leadership for the 136th General Assembly, beginning in January 2025. The Caucus voted to re-elect Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) to lead the caucus.

“I am proud of the historic growth and work that the Senate Democratic Caucus has accomplished this General Assembly,” said Leader Antonio. “I am thankful to my colleagues for entrusting me to continue as Senate Leader as we look to a new General Assembly. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to always fight for an Ohio that works for everyone.”

State Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) was re-elected Assistant Democratic Leader.

“I am grateful to be re-elected as the Assistant Leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” said Senator Craig. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of Ohio and it is an immense responsibility to serve in a leadership position within our caucus. I am grateful to my colleagues who have been able to craft bipartisan legislation that will help create new housing opportunities, lower property taxes for families, and create new job opportunities for Ohio’s workers. I look forward to continuing the work of our caucus to help Ohio’s middle class and forge a better future for our state.”

State Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) was re-elected to continue his role as Democratic Whip for the caucus. 

“I am honored to be re-elected as Democratic Whip,” said Senator Smith. “It’s a privilege to be able to continue to fight for 11.7 million Ohioans whose concerns aren’t about who is in the stall next to them, but about how they can provide for their family.”

State Senator-Elect Beth Liston (D-Dublin) will serve as Assistant Democratic Whip, completing the 136th General Assembly's minority leadership team.

“Ohio Senate Democrats are fighting for people in our state,” said Senator-Elect Liston. “I am honored to be a part of this team.”