Senate Welcomes New President to the 136th General Assembly

Senate President Rob McColley Takes the Oath of Office and Joins Us for a New Year of the President's Podcast

By John Fortney

January 9, 2025

The Ohio Senate gaveled in a new year and a new two-year General Assembly with several members taking the oath of office.

Senate President Rob McColley Takes the Oath from His Mother Judge Denise McColley

Senator Rob McColley, (R-Napoleon) was officially elected as the new President of the Ohio Senate.

It was a remarkable day for Ohio history as outgoing Senate President Matt Huffman became the first person to preside over two legislative chambers on the same day.

Former Senate President Matt Huffman Welcomes Senators to 136th General Assembly

He welcomed the members and guests to the Senate Chamber, and then walked across the Statehouse Rotunda to officially be elected Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Senate President McColley presented Speaker Huffman an Ohio Flag that flew over the Statehouse during Huffman's time serving as Senate President for the 134th and 135th General Assemblies.

Senate President Rob McColley Presents Former President and New House Speaker Matt Huffman with an Ohio Flag that Flew Over Statehouse During His Time as President

President McColley is very proud of his hometown of Napoleon, Ohio, and started the day by opening the session with a special gavel engraved with the names of his children, because the demands on a Senate President's time often keeps him at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus and away from home.

Michael and Matthew McColley Holding Gavel with Their Names Enscribed

The gavel was made by students at the Vantage Career Center in Van Wert back home in the 1st Senate District.

Gavel Featuring President McColley's Children's Names

"This commemorates a great start to the new year and the new General Assembly," said President McColley. "I'm grateful to the bright students at the Vantage Career Center for their thoughtful craftsmanship."

The 1st Senate District is home to nationally known brand names, and those were on display today at the statehouse.

DumDum Lollipops Found Throughout the President's Office

"I am so thankful for the great people and successful companies that have built a legacy of achievement," said President McColley. "From Spangler Candy's 'Dum Dum' Lollipops to the strong hands that make Wilson footballs, we need to remember that small businesses in Ohio set the standard for the hard work that helps make our neighborhoods great places to call home."

Ohio Highway Patrol Color Guard

Senator McColley and his wife Denise are proud parents to twin sons Matthew and Michael, and daughter Anna.

President McColley, Wife Denise, Michael, Anna and Matthew

Click here to see the day in photos from the Senate's opening session the 136th General Assembly.

President McColley Meets with Statehouse Press Following Session

This week we officially welcome Senate President Rob McColley to a brand new year of the President's Podcast available on YouTube and Spotify.