Steve Huffman (Ohio politician)

Stephen A. Huffman (born November 14, 1964) is a Republican member of the Ohio Senate, representing the 5th district since 2019. Previously, Huffman served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Stephen A. Huffman
Member of the Ohio Senate
from the 5th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2019
Preceded byBill Beagle
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives
from the 80th district
In office
January 3, 2015 – December 31, 2018
Preceded byRichard Adams
Succeeded byJena Powell
Personal details
Born (1964-11-14) November 14, 1964
Political partyRepublican
Residence(s)Tipp City, Ohio, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Toledo
Medical College of Ohio

Life and career

Huffman is a lifelong resident of Miami County and was raised in Ludlow Falls, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Toledo and has been a practicing physician for nearly 20 years.[1] In 2013, Huffman announced that he was running for the Ohio House of Representatives after the incumbent, Richard Adams, announced he was not seeking another term.[2] Huffman won a three-way primary with 45% of the vote, and won the general election to take the seat with 77% of the vote.[3]

Ohio Senate

In 2018, state Senator Bill Beagle was term-limited, leaving the 5th district an open seat for that year's election. As a result, Huffman opted to forego another term in the Ohio House to run for the Senate seat.[4] A competitive seat, the 5th district was a Democratic stronghold until it was won by Beagle in 2010.[5] Despite this, Huffman prevailed, winning over Democrat Paul Bradley, 53% to 47%.[6]

Huffman was sworn in for his first term on January 1, 2019. Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) is his cousin.[7]

Committee assignments

During the 134th General Assembly, Huffman was assigned to the following Ohio Senate committees:[8]

  • (Chair of) Health Committee
  • (Vice Chair of) Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
  • Insurance Committee
  • Primary & Secondary Education Committee

Controversies

In December 2019, The Washington Post detailed how an editorial in the Sidney Daily News against Medicare for all by Huffman[9] was drafted with the help of lobbyist Kathleen DeLand of the pharmaceutical, hospital, and healthcare insurance lobbying group, Partnership for America's Health Care Future.[10] Two Montana state lawmakers, Rep. Kathy Kelker and Sen. Jen Gross, were also implicated.[10]

In a June 9, 2020, hearing on whether to declare racism a public health crisis in Ohio, Huffman asked if it were possible blacks were contracting coronavirus at higher rates because "the colored population do not wash their hands as well as other groups".[11] Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Stephanie Howse said, "The fact that a well-educated legislator – a Vice Chair of the Health Committee and a practicing medical doctor – would, in a public setting, nonchalantly use such antiquated terminology paired with a hurtful, racist stereotype all in one breath reflects how unconscious this problem of racism is for too many."[12] Huffman later apologized.[12] His employer, TeamHealth, dismissed him June 11, 2020, for his remarks.[13]

In January 2021, Huffman was appointed to lead the Senate Health Committee by Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima), his cousin, drawing new criticism from Black lawmakers in light of Huffman's previous comments.[14]

References
  1. "About Steve Huffman". Steve Huffman for Ohio. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  2. "Miami County coroner announces bid for state rep". The Daily Advocate. December 19, 2013. Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  3. "2014 Elections Results". www.ohiosos.gov. Ohio Secretary of State. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  4. Martin, Erik (May 22, 2017). "Rep. Steve Huffman announces candidacy for Ohio Senate". The Daily Advocate. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  5. Hulsey, Lynn (November 7, 2018). "Republican Huffman wins state Senate 5th District race". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  6. "Our Campaigns - OH State Senate 05 Race - Nov 06, 2018". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  7. Bischoff, Laura A. (January 4, 2021). "Ohio Senate president tests positive for COVID". Journal-News. Liberty Township, Butler County, Ohio. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  8. "Senator Stephen A. Huffman - Bio | The Ohio Senate". ohiosenate.gov. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  9. Huffman, Steve (September 30, 2019). "Medicare for all not a workable solution". Sidney Daily News. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  10. Stein, Jeff (December 2, 2019). "State lawmakers acknowledge lobbyists helped craft their op-eds attacking Medicare-for-all". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 2, 2019. An aide to Ohio Sen. Huffman confirmed that their office worked with the consultant on Huffman's op-ed criticizing Medicare-for-all as "socialized medicine" and "not a workable solution." Asked whether that consultant had been hired by the Partnership for America's Health Care Future, the aide responded, "I believe so." Huffman's office declined additional requests for comment.
  11. Bischoff, Laura A. (June 10, 2020). "Lawmaker asks if 'colored population' not washing their hands as well as others behind COVID rates". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  12. Rowland, Darrel (June 11, 2020). "GOP Ohio state senator uses racist language in discussing whether African Americans get COVID-19 more". USA Today. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  13. Gabriel, Trip (June 11, 2020). "Ohio Lawmaker Asks Racist Question About Black People and Hand-Washing". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  14. Amiri, Farnoush (January 22, 2021). "Legislator who questioned Black hygiene to lead health panel". AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
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