COLUMBUS: Democrats in the Ohio Senate have picked new leaders after two members stepped from their caucus roles to pursue statewide offices next year.
State Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman will become the next minority leader in the Senate following a vote by his fellow Democrats Wednesday afternoon.
He will replace Sen. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati who is running for lieutenant governor.
Sen. Edna Brown of Toledo is moving up to minority whip, a job held by Sen. Nina Turner of Cleveland. Turner is vying for secretary of state.
Joining the leadership team are Sen. Charleta Tavares of Columbus as assistant minority leader, and Sen. Lou Gentile of Steubenville as assistant minority whip.
The full Senate must act on the transition.