Submitted photo State Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Niles, left, is sworn in as one of four majority whips in the Ohio House. He was accompanied by his wife, Alexis, who is holding their daughter. The swearing in was performed by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick Fischer.

State Rep. Nick Santucci is serving in Ohio House leadership as one of four majority whips.

Santucci, R-Niles, said the House of Representatives archives show there hasn’t been a Trumbull County legislator to serve as House majority whip since 1976.

Santucci, who started his second two-year term, said: “It is an honor to be elected by my peers as majority whip in the Ohio House. I believe this role is vital in uniting our caucus and delivering results for Ohio. From fostering communication to advancing our priorities, I’m ready to serve.”

Majority whips are responsible for monitoring and securing votes for legislation on the House floor.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for their confidence and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to work directly with Speaker (Matt) Huffman to help move the needle for working families across Ohio,” Santucci said.

The three other majority whips are: state Reps. Riordan T. McClain, R-Upper Sandusky; Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge; and Josh Williams, R-Sylvania.

Republicans control the House 65-34.

The four whips are among nine Republican House leaders led by Huffman, R-Lima, who is serving as speaker after spending the past four years as Senate president. After being term limited in the Senate, where Huffman served for eight years, he returned to the House, where he previously spent six years.

During the January 2023 House speaker vote, Santucci was the only Republican representative from the Mahoning Valley to support Derek Merrin, R-Monclova, who was chosen by the GOP House caucus for the spot in November 2022.

But Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, received support from the 32 House Democrats as well as 22 of his fellow Republicans and beat Merrin 54-43 for the speaker’s post.

Among the 22 Republicans who backed Stephens and were subsequently censured by the Ohio Republican Party were Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, who is now a state senator; Mike Loychik, R-Bazetta, who is out of elected office; and Monica Robb Blasdel, R-Columbiana.

Rather than face the challenge of Huffman for speaker, Stephens chose in November to not seek the position for a second two-year term. Stephens and Huffman clashed when the two Republicans led the House and Senate, respectively.

Santucci represents the 64th Ohio House District, which includes Warren, Howland, Niles, Weathersfield, Bristol, Champion, Farmington, West Farmington, Leavittsburg, Newton, Newton Falls, Lordstown and Warren Township.