Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo Resigns Leadership Role June

Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo announced she will step down from her leadership role at the end of June but will continue serving her district until her term ends in December 2026. Russo, a Democrat from Upper Arlington, has led the caucus since January 2022 and has been instrumental in opposing measures such as raising the threshold for citizen ballot initiatives and anti-abortion constitutional amendments. She emphasized the importance of a careful leadership transition to give her successors time to plan caucus priorities, especially after the state budget cycle concludes. Russo plans to focus on her family and policy work, notably spending time with her son before he heads off to college, while leaving decisions on her political future for a later date. Potential successors mentioned include Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells and Minority Whip Dani Isaacsohn, as the Ohio Democratic Party also prepares for new leadership ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Throughout her tenure, Russo has been a prominent advocate for public education, working families, and health policy, navigating a challenging environment dominated by a Republican supermajority.