Jon Husted, who now serves as Ohio’s secretary of state, was first elected to public office in 200 as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. Four years later, his colleagues elected him Speaker of the Ohio House. After serving two terms as Speaker, Husted was then elected to Ohio Senate.
RIO GRANDE — Gallia County Republicans will be holding their newly named Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner this Thursday at the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, with Ohio’s Secretary of State Jon Husted as the dinner’s keynote speaker.
According to Gallia GOP Chairwoman Anita Moore, the dinner was formerly known as the Lincoln Day Dinner but with increasing trends with Republicans across the state renaming their dinners, Gallia Republicans decided to follow suit. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and Meigs County’s Cole Durst, second place state winner of the American Legion Constitutional Oratorical Contest, is anticipated to share his competition piece with those attending.
Husted is considering making a bid for Ohio Governor in 2018. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, US Representative Jim Renacci and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor have already declared their intent to run for the office.
Last year, Husted spoke at the Meigs County Lincoln Day Dinner. Husted has served as the 53rd secretary of state and is in his sixth year doing so. According to Moore, he was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, winning 86 of 88 counties in the state. Husted has previously served as the House Speaker in Ohio’s House of Representatives and also served four terms as a representative. Husted has been given endorsements by the NRA, Buckeye Firearms Association, Ohioans for Concealed Carry and more, according to information provided by Moore.
The secretary was raised in Montpelier and attended the University of Dayton to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He shares three children with his wife Tina.
Moore said the Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner serves as important rallying point for many area Republicans. The second event of the year is known as the GOP’s corn roast and is traditionally held in summer.
Gifts and door prizes are anticipated to be had at the event with area discussions and voter encouragement to be held with upcoming elections.
Dean Wright can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2103.
