The ongoing power struggle within the Ohio Republican Party has reached a new level of intensity, as a county judge has stripped Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens of control over the GOP caucus’ campaign fund. The decision by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Mark Serrott comes in response to a lawsuit filed against Stephens by a rival GOP contingent. The lawsuit was prompted by Stephens’ controversial move to rely on the votes of House Democrats, along with a minority of House Republicans, to secure the speakership. Serrott’s ruling emphasized the importance of allowing the faction representing a majority of the House Republican caucus to make decisions about the fund, in accordance with state law.
The lawsuit was brought by Republican state Reps. Derek Merrin, Phil Plummer, and Ron Ferguson, who argued that Merrin had been chosen by a majority of House Republicans to lead the campaign fund, known as the Ohio House Republican Alliance. They contended that Merrin’s group should have authority over distributing the fund’s resources. Merrin, who had initially been earmarked to become speaker before Stephens’ unexpected victory, is now a candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 9th District. Serrott’s injunction places Plummer, who won a subsequent caucus vote to oversee the caucus fund, in charge of the alliance until the lawsuit is resolved, with a trial scheduled for October.
Stephens, who has been in control of the campaign fund as per tradition for the speaker, has raised and spent approximately $4.7 million since last year. The fund has been used to fund ad campaigns against Republicans who opposed Stephens’ supporters and those aligned with the Merrin camp in this year’s primaries. Despite the contentious atmosphere, Stephens’ allies emerged victorious in most of the primaries, providing him with the necessary support to potentially remain speaker next year. The ongoing power struggle within the party has had a detrimental impact on legislative proceedings, resulting in one of the least productive legislative sessions in Ohio’s history.
The rival faction, which maintains close connections with Senate President Matt Huffman, who is seeking to return to the House and challenge Stephens for the speakership next year, has further complicated the political landscape in Ohio. This internal strife has impeded progress on numerous legislative matters, leading to disagreements, impasses, and confusion within the state legislature. Efforts by Republican Governor Mike DeWine to facilitate cooperation and compromise among lawmakers have been unsuccessful, with significant roadblocks hindering progress on important issues such as recreational marijuana legalization and ballot access for President Joe Biden. The ongoing power struggle within the Ohio Republican Party has not only created a divisive environment within the party but has also stalled crucial legislative efforts in the state.
