Representative Callender Swears in for Eighth and Final Term

COLUMBUS – Ohio 136th General Assembly officially opened in Columbus, announced State Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord).  Representative Callender is entering his fourth term representing the 57th Ohio House District, which includes eastern Lake County as well as Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Waite Hill, and parts of Mentor. Representative Callender formerly served in the Ohio House between 1997 and 2004 representing the western half of Lake County, making the 136th General Assembly his 8th term representing Lake County in Columbus.

During the 135th General Assembly, Representative Callender served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee on Infrastructure and the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as being a member on the Finance, Pension, and Health Provider Services committee. He was additionally appointed to represent Ohio on the Great Lakes Commission, an international body dedicated to the protection of the Great Lakes basin. 

Legislatively, Representative Callender successfully led the charge to continue the phase-in of the Fair School Funding Plan, providing an additional $1.49 billion in funding for public K-12 education. He was also successful in supporting Northeast Ohio through 45 capital budget projects, totaling $56 million in investments, over 60 operating budget appropriations totaling more then half a billion dollars, and having 6 pieces of legislation signed into law by the Governor. 

“I am truly humbled by the continued trust the people of Lake County have placed in me,” said Callender. “Being elected to represent the community I grew up in, raised a family in, and my grandchildren call home is the honor of a lifetime. I look forward to working with Lake County’s local, state, and federal leaders to build upon the success of the past six years as we strive to keep Lake County the best place in the nation to work, live, and raise a family.” 

The 136th General Assembly will last from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. The Ohio House now awaits committee assignments and for the Governor to propose his 2026/2027 budget to the legislature.