Jo Ann Davidson

Jo Ann Davidson (September 28, 1927 – October 25, 2024) was an American politician of the Republican Party. A member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1981 to 2000, she was Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1995–2000.^[1] She also served as the national committeewoman for Republican Party for Ohio.^[2]

Jo Ann Davidson
Republican National Committeewoman from Ohio
In office 2005 – April 29, 2024
Succeeded by	Jane Timken
97th Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives
In office January 3, 1995 – December 31, 2000
Preceded by	Vern Riffe
Succeeded by	Larry Householder
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 24th district
In office January 3, 1981 – December 31, 2000
Preceded by	Alan Eugene Norris
Succeeded by	Larry L. Flowers
Personal details
Born	(1927-09-28)September 28, 1927 Findlay, Ohio, U.S.
Died	October 25, 2024(2024-10-25) (aged 97)
Political party	Republican

Davidson was appointed to the Ohio Casino Control Commission by Governor John R. Kasich on February 23, 2011. Her term of office ended on February 21, 2018.^[3]

Davidson was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1981. Her legislative district consisted of a portion of Franklin County, Ohio. In 1995, she became the first woman elected as Speaker. She was succeeded by Larry L. Flowers in 2001 and became interim director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that year.^[4]

In 2016, the Capitol Theatre in the Vern Riffe State Office Tower in Columbus, Ohio was renamed in her honor.^[5]

Davidson died on October 25, 2024, at the age of 97.^[6]

See also

• List of female speakers of legislatures in the United States