Dec. 5, 2024

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 688 Wednesday, legislation to formally designate September 28th as Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Angie King (R-Celina) and Marilyn John (R-Richland County).

Born on September 28, 1927, Speaker Davidson served in state and national politics for almost 60 years. She served in the Ohio House for more than twenty years, and during her time in the legislature, she held the positions of Minority Whip and Minority Leader before serving as Ohio’s first and only female Speaker of the Ohio House from 1995 through 2000.

John said-

“The definition of public servant is an individual whose primary motivation and role are to serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public. Speaker Jo Ann Davidson was a true public servant who set an example for those around her and those that followed her. I know I am a better legislator, public servant, and human for having known her.”

 King said –

“Speaker Davidson is recognized for her exceptional leadership, dedication to public service and trailblazing legacy as Ohio’s first and only female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. With her recent passing, Ohio has lost a devoted public servant, a true trailblazer, a beloved mentor, and friend, but her legacy will continue through those she impacted.”

House Bill 688 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

About Davidson-

Davidson was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1981. Her legislative district consisted of a portion of Franklin County, Ohio. In 1995, she became the first woman elected as Speaker. She was succeeded by Larry L. Flowers in 2001 and became interim director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that year.

In 2016, the Capitol Theatre in the Vern Riffe State Office Tower in Columbus, Ohio was renamed in her honor.

Davidson died on October 25, 2024, at the age of 97.