| | President Trump and Vice President Vance Inaugurated: What It Means for Ohio |
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Donald J. Trump began his second term with a flurry of executive actions and bold plans to strengthen America economically, militarily, and domestically. J.D. Vance becomes the first Ohioan to hold the office of Vice President in over a century and will bring a unique perspective shaped by his well-documented upbringing in Middletown, Ohio.
President Trump’s agenda to restore America and stimulate the economy will be good for Ohio. And the Buckeye State will play an influential role in shaping national policy. As Senator, Vance prioritized issues critical to Ohio, such as rebuilding manufacturing, combating the opioid epidemic, and supporting rural communities. Now, Vice President Vance will elevate Ohio priorities on a broader stage.
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 The Trump/Vance Administration will be action packed. With slim majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, President Trump has about two years to advance his agenda. Big issues – immigration, energy production, trade deals, tax cuts, regulation reductions, and many more – will be addressed fast and furiously. Don’t blink. |
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Husted Senate Appointment Reshapes Ohio's Political Landscape |
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Jon Husted's appointment to fill the Senate seat vacated by Vice President Vance creates immediate challenges for the DeWine administration and dramatically alters the 2026 gubernatorial race outlook. Husted will be sworn in as Ohio’s junior senator today. As DeWine's Lieutenant Governor, Husted was considered a frontrunner to succeed DeWine. His move to Washington opens the Republican gubernatorial primary field significantly. Several potential candidates are already emerging: - Attorney General Dave Yost has signaled his intention to seek the GOP nomination
- State Treasurer Robert Sprague has filed paperwork to run
- Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is said to be planning a bid
Beyond electoral politics, Husted's departure creates significant policy challenges for the DeWine administration. As LG, Husted has been the administration's point person on several crucial initiatives, including: - InnovateOhio program
- Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation
- Ohio Common Sense Initiative
- Economic development, technology, and energy policy
His move to Washington leaves Governor DeWine needing to find new leadership for these key programs during his final term. The selection of a new lieutenant governor takes on added importance given these policy gaps. Several names have emerged as potential candidates: - Lydia Mihalik, Department of Development Director, brings economic development expertise
- Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Service, has been a key DeWine advisor on criminal justice issues
- Matt Dolan, former state senator, offers legislative, budget and finance experience
DeWine has indicated he will move quickly to name a new LG. |
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 Senator Husted will be a great fighter for Ohio in Washington—he's experienced, knows Ohio, and is committed to being a workhorse in the Senate. His appointment creates both challenges and opportunities. In the near-term, Governor DeWine has policy gaps to fill, and the 2026 gubernatorial race looks increasingly wide open. |
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Erik Mikkelson Recognized as a “Super Lawyer” for 2025 |
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Erik Mikkelson, Hicks Partners Senior Director of Government Affairs, has been honored with the prestigious “Super Lawyer” award by Super Lawyers, a highly respected rating service that recognizes outstanding attorneys who have achieved significant peer recognition and professional excellence. This accolade places Mikkelson among the top lawyers in the nation, reflecting his dedication to his clients and his exceptional contributions to the legal profession. |
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 Congratulations Erik, earning the title of “Super Lawyer” is no small feat—it’s a reflection of years of hard work, integrity, and professional success. |
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Energy Demand Surge Sparks Generation Debate |
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Ohio faces a potential energy shortage as data centers and manufacturers compete for limited grid capacity, business leaders warned at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Economic Outlook event. House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley have signaled upcoming legislation to address these challenges. However, some stakeholders urge caution: - Ohio Manufacturers' Association emphasizes using existing free market tools rather than returning to a regulated generation market
- Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council supports legislative review while defending deregulation benefits
- Questions remain about data center tax incentives given relatively low permanent job creation
The outgoing Biden Administration issued an executive order allowing data center construction on federal lands although included some elements that may make development more costly. The Trump Administration will reduce barriers to development and dramatically increase energy production to meet demand. |
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 Ohio faces critical decisions about powering its economic future. State policymakers must balance competitive markets with reliability and meet increasing energy demands. Look for a series of energy related legislation to be introduced in the state legislature in the coming weeks. |
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Ohio House Committee Assignments Announced |
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Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) unveiled significant changes to the chamber's committee structure, reducing the total number to 27 and eliminating all Finance subcommittees. The restructuring aims to streamline the budget process and limit members to serving on no more than four panels. Key changes include: - Creation of a new Arts, Athletics & Tourism Committee focused on entertainment initiatives;
- Formation of Children & Human Services Committee replacing Families & Aging;
- Establishment of Community Revitalization Committee mirroring Senate structure;
- Launch of Veterans & Military Development Committee with statewide hearings planned.
Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) will lead the crucial Finance Committee with Rep. Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) serving as vice chair. The new House Medicaid Committee, headed by Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), will handle the health and human services portions of budget testimony. Committee assignments appear to bridge divides from last year's speaker contest, although former Speaker Jason Stephens received no chairmanship or vice chair role. |
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 Huffman's committee restructuring suggests a more centralized approach to budget oversight while creating new venues for various priorities. The balanced distribution of leadership roles may help unify the caucus after recent political divisions. |
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Ohio Senate Committee Assignments Announced |
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Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) announced changes to the chamber's committee structure as well, expanding to 21 standing committees for the new General Assembly. Key changes include: - Public Utilities and Energy split into separate committees;
- Creation of new standing Housing Committee;
- Merger of Insurance into Financial Institutions and Technology;
- Expansion of Community Revitalization to include an Addiction focus.
Notable appointments include Sen. Jerry Cirino serving as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee, and Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) chairing both General Government and Higher Education committees. |
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 McColley's restructuring reflects both practical needs and policy priorities. The creation of dedicated committees for housing and energy signals increased focus on these issues, while the expanded roster provides more opportunities for member engagement across both parties. |
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Our Grant Alert list is updated! Review the list of ongoing grant opportunities here: |
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| Hicks Partners, LLC is a multidisciplinary business consulting firm providing public relations, government affairs and business development services. We deliver powerful results for clients seeking to enhance their image, impact policy decisions, and grow their bottom line. |
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