Jo Ann Davidson, Ohio's First Female House Speaker, Dies at 97

Davidson, a trailblazer for women in politics, transformed Ohio's political landscape and championed Republican women leaders.

Jo Ann Davidson was the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the Ohio House, breaking significant political barriers.
Her nearly 60-year political career included leadership roles such as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and chair of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Davidson founded the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, which trained nearly 500 women in leadership and public service skills.
She was known for her consensus-building approach, fiscal conservatism, and opposition to divisive social agendas within her party.
Davidson's legacy includes her mentorship and empowerment of women in politics, leaving a lasting impact on Ohio's political landscape.