Jones Steps Down for Federal Appointment
State Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport)
COLUMBUS, OH – Speaker of the Ohio House Matt Huffman (R-Lima) today announced that Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport) has accepted an appointment from President Donald Trump to serve in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as State Executive Director for the Ohio Farm Service Agency and will be resigning from his seat as state representative of the 95th Ohio House District, effective June 1, 2025. Rep. Jones will begin his work with the USDA on June 2.
“Don Jones has honorably served the constituents of the 95th House District and has continued to be a dependable leader for our Caucus on issues related to agriculture, education and natural resources,” said Speaker Huffman. “I am grateful for his advocacy and his service to Southeastern Ohio since 2019 and, on behalf of all of the members of the House, I look forward to working with him in this new role.”
The 95th Ohio House District includes all of Harrison, Noble and Morgan Counties and portions of Belmont, Guernsey, and Athens counties. The Barnesville area is included in Jones’ district.
“It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the residents of eastern and southeastern Ohio as their voice in Columbus for the past six-and-a-half years,” said Rep. Jones. “The 95th district may have changed its configuration since my beginning in 2019, but one thing has remained the same, it is still a hardworking, blue-collar district, full of people who are proud of their values, morals and integrity. I would like to say ‘Thank You’ to those who have supported me through this journey and ask that you continue to work to make Appalachia the very best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Speaker Huffman also announced that a screening panel will soon be organized to begin vetting candidates seeking to fill the vacant 95th House District seat. Speaker Pro Tempore Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) will serve as the chair of the panel, which will include four additional Republican House members.
Residents of the 95th House District who wish to be considered for the appointment should provide a resume, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting materials to Speaker Huffman at 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215; and to Mike Dittoe, Chief of Staff, 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Applicants may also email their materials to Speaker Huffman at Rep78@ohiohouse.gov and to Dittoe at Mike.Dittoe@ohiohouse.gov. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 6 at 5 p.m.
The panel will begin screening applicants the week of June 9th, with the new member expected to be sworn in before the summer recess begins at the end of June.
(Ohio House of Representatives Press Release)
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