COLUMBUS – State Senator Chris Widener, FAIA (R- Springfield) was officially sworn in as Senate President Pro Tempore – the number two leadership post in the Ohio Senate – during today’s opening ceremonies for the 130th General Assembly. Widener is only the third Senator from Clark County to serve in one of the top two Senate leadership posts since 1834, when Charles Anthony served as Ohio’s Senate leader.
“I am truly grateful for the trust that the people of the 10th Senate District have placed in me to represent them at the Statehouse, and for the support of my colleagues in selecting me as President Pro Tempore,” Widener said. “This legislative session promises to be an active one as we continue our efforts to get Ohioans working again. I look forward to working with my fellow legislators as we pursue policies that will put our state back on the path to prosperity.”
Widener previously served as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee where he led the state effort to close an $8.5 billion budget gap without raising taxes. He also served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. Throughout his tenure in the Legislature, Senator Widener has championed policies promoting limited government, lower taxes, strong schools and job creation in our local communities.
Widener led the economic development efforts that saw companies create more than 2,000 jobs in Clark, Greene, and Madison Counties in his first term as 10th District Senator.
Senator Widener (center) takes the oath of office for the 10th Ohio Senate District, surrounded by family and friends. The oath was administered by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy (right).