COLUMBUS, Ohio—Jo Ann Davidson, Ohio’s first woman House speaker and an advocate for putting effective Republican women in office, passed away at the age of 97 on Friday.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a close friend of Davidson, announced her death in a heartfelt statement. He described her as “a model public servant who embodied wit, intelligence, class, and skill.” Governor DeWine also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on government buildings across the state to honor her memory.
Throughout her nearly 60-year political career, Davidson transitioned from a volunteer in a Columbus suburb to a member of the local city council, eventually becoming the leader of the Ohio House and serving as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
Following the retirement of Vernal G. Riffe, a prominent Democrat who held the position for a state-record 20 years, Davidson succeeded him as the House speaker.
