Hill to fill Balderson’s seat for second time
December 4, 2018
Recently re-elected to his fourth and final term as state representative for Ohio’s 97th District, Brian Hill (R) of Zanesville will be changing roles after being appointed to the open senate seat in the 20th District.
Previously, the position was filled by Troy Balderson (R) of Zanesville, who now holds a U.S. House seat in the 12th Congressional District.
Following the announcement Tuesday by Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, Speaker of the House Ryan Smith congratulated Hill in a statement released by his office.
“I want to congratulate my long-time colleague and good friend Brian Hill on his appointment to the Ohio Senate,” Smith said. “Brian has always been a man of integrity for whom I have great respect, and I know that, although now in a different role, he will continue to be a champion for southeast Ohio and for our agricultural community. I wish him only the best as he transitions to the Ohio Senate.”
Ohio’s 20th State Senate District encompasses all of Fairfield, Guernsey, Hocking, Morgan and Muskingum counties, and portions of Athens and Pickaway counties, according to a media release.
“We met with a very talented group of candidates, and we appreciate each of their interest and willingness to serve,” said Obhof. “Brian brings a strong understanding of the issues important to the people of the 20th Senate District, and we look forward to working with him here in the Senate.”
In 2011, a similar situation transpired when Hill was appointed to fill Balderson’s house seat for the 97th district after Balderson was appointed to the senate. Hill was serving as a Muskingum County Commissioner when he was first appointed to the 97th House District in 2011.
In line with previous appointed positions, current Muskingum County Commissioner Jim Porter said he was previously approached about filling the position and would consider taking it if asked. Porter said it was previously mentioned at a Muskingum County Republican Club meeting that nothing would be done regarding appointing anyone new until Hill’s senate position was announced.
