Ohio Republican Bill Johnson will step down from office on January 21 to become president of Youngstown State University, according to multiple reports.
According to WFMJ, Johnson was scheduled to take up his novel position at the university on March 15. Its novel start date is earlier than expected (via WFMJ):
In his resignation letter sent to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Johnson described the residents of his district as “proud and patriotic” but disregarded by America’s “elites,” whom Johnson said , academic staff were also expected to take over the academic institution already at the preparation stage.
“These working-class communities, like countless others in ‘Flyover County,’ have played a critical role in building our great nation and will play a key role in America’s future. I am extremely honored to have been chosen to serve them over and over again,” Johnson said.
YSU Chairman of the Trustee Michael Peterson shared the news in a message to the university community.
“Bill is committed to the mission of our institution and we look forward to the contributions he and his wife, LeeAnn, will make to our community,” Peterson reportedly said.
Johnson began representing Ohio’s sixth congressional district in 2011 and is an Air Force veteran.
On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) announced special election dates to fill a congressional seat. A special general election for Congress will be held in June.
In recent weeks, Johnson and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy resigned from Congress. In addition, former New York MP George Santos was expelled from Congress.
