Craig Sworn in as Assistant Minority Whip

Today, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus announced changes to its leadership team. The caucus voted to elect Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) Assistant Minority Leader, after Senator Cecil Thomas (D-Avondale) stepped down from his leadership position to run for mayor of Cincinnati. Senator Tina Maharath (D-Canal Winchester) will serve as Minority Whip while Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) will join the Democratic leadership team as Assistant Minority Whip. “I’d like to thank my good friend and colleague, Senator Thomas, for his tremendous job serving the people of Ohio throughout all his years on the leadership team for the Senate Democrats,” said Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). “I’d also like to congratulate Senator Craig for taking on his new role as the Assistant Minority Whip. With Senator Antonio as the new Assistant Minority Leader and Senator Maharath as Minority Whip, our caucus is in a great position fight for fairness for all workers and families in Ohio.” “I am honored to continue to serve with the Senate Democratic leadership team as the new Assistant Minority Leader,” said Antonio, who was previously the Senate Minority Whip. “I look forward to working with our leadership team and members of the Senate for the good of the people of Ohio.” “I am honored and humbled to have been selected by my colleagues to serve as Minority Whip in the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus,” said Maharath, who was previously the Senate Assistant Minority Whip. “I look forward to continuing my work as part of the Senate Democratic leadership team and working across the aisle to make our state a better place to live and work for Ohioans everywhere." “I am excited an honored to have the support of my caucus to serve as the Assistant Minority Whip,” said Craig. “I look forward to our work together to continue to create public policies that improve the quality of life of the residents of the 15th Senate district and all Ohioans.”