The Ohio House of Representatives voted 75-21 on June 16 to expel former House Speaker Larry Householder (R).
Householder was arrested on July 21, 2020, and charged with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering scheme. He allegedly participated in a $60 million bribery case related to the legislative passage of a $1.5 billion funding bill for two nuclear power plants. Four other people, including former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges, were also arrested.
“I have not nor have I ever taken a bribe or solicited or been solicited for taking a bribe,” Householder said. Majority leader Bill Seitz (R) defended Householder, saying, “There is no evidence against Larry Householder, only allegations.”
Minority leader Emilia Sykes (D) said in a statement, “There’s no enjoyment in today’s news which will no doubt lead to the further deterioration of the public’s trust in our institutions.”
Householder previously served in the House from 1997 to 2004 and was again elected to represent District 72 in 2016. He was elected Speaker of the House in 2019.
Householder is the fourth state legislator to be removed from office so far in 2021. In 2020, only one legislator was removed from office.
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