US Rep. Stivers to leave Congress, lead Ohio Chamber of Commerce

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (Ohio-15th District) announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to Congress. After being elected to six terms in Congress, he will step down effective May 16, 2021 to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

The 15th District includes all of Clinton County, as well as all of Fairfield, Hocking, Madison, Morgan, Perry, Pickaway and Vinton counties and parts of Athens, Fayette, Franklin, and Ross counties.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District,” Stivers said in a news release. “Throughout my career in public service I’ve worked to promote policies that drive our economy forward, get folks to work, and put our country’s fiscal house in order.

“That is why I am looking forward to this new opportunity with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, where I can continue my efforts to support free enterprise and economic growth here in Ohio.”

Clinton County Republican Party Chairman Tim Inwood told the News Journal, “I regret to see Congressman Stivers leave his seat in the U.S House. He has represented the district well for the past decade.

“We wish our friend the best as he takes on the task of CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.”

Currently, Democrats hold a 218-212 edge over Republicans in the House, and there are five vacancies.

Inwood pointed out that, per Ohio Revised Code Section Section 3521.03 — Filling vacancy in United States House of Representatives — “When a vacancy in the office of representative to Congress occurs, the governor, upon satisfactory information thereof, shall issue a writ of election directing that a special election be held to fill such vacancy in the territory entitled to fill it on a day specified in the writ.”

Stivers represents a Republican-leaning district that the GOP will be favored to keep when a special election occurs. He would have been in a strong position financially to retain the seat next year, having raised nearly $1.4 million in the last fundraising quarter, the Associated Press reported.

Stivers has served on the Financial Services Committee throughout his time in Congress and is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, where he has worked on a number of housing bills, including H.R. 299, the Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act of 2015.

Stivers was also elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 2016 to2018 and served on the Rules Committee in 2015 and 2016.

“The best part of this job has been making a positive difference in the lives of constituents,” Stivers said. “I am grateful to the people of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District for putting their trust in me to represent them in the halls of Congress; it has been one of the biggest honors of my life.”

A career soldier, Stivers has served more than 30 years in the Ohio Army National Guard and holds the rank of Major General.

He served the United States overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and Djibouti where he led 400 soldiers and contractors and is proud that each and every one returned home safely to the United States. Stivers received the Bronze Star for his leadership throughout the deployment.

Stivers received both his bachelor’s degree and his MBA from The Ohio State University and resides in Columbus with his wife, Karen, and children, Sarah and Sam.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/04/web1_Steve-Stivers-4.jpg

Ohio’s 15th District includes all or part of 12 counties. Also shown are U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers’ three offices, including one in Wilmington.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/04/web1_15th-district-map-2.jpgOhio’s 15th District includes all or part of 12 counties. Also shown are U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers’ three offices, including one in Wilmington. Google Maps/stivers.house.gov
Leaving post May 21; district includes 12 counties

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