Jim Butler (Ohio politician)

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Jim Butler
Speaker pro tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives
In office
February 6, 2019 – January 4, 2021
Preceded byKirk Schuring
Succeeded byTim Ginter
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives
from the 41st district
In office
January 11, 2011 – January 4, 2021
Preceded byPeggy Lehner
Succeeded byAndrea White
Personal details
Born (1973-05-10) May 10, 1973 (age 50)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMelissa Butler
Children3
EducationUnited States Naval Academy (BS)
University of Maryland, College Park (MA)
University of Cincinnati (JD)

James L. Butler Jr. (born May 10, 1973) is a former Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 41st House District, and was Speaker Pro Tempore.

Life and career[edit]

Butler received his bachelor's degree in history with honors and distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1995, graduating in the top 10% of his class which earned him a spot in flight school. While waiting to begin training he received a master's degree in history from the University of Maryland in 1996. Earning his wings in September 1998, he later flew the F-14 Tomcat as a pilot in the Navy.

Following his naval service, Butler attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he served on law review as one of the top students in his class. He was the President of the Dayton Ballet Associate Board from 2008 to 2011; the Dayton Ballet Associate Board works to support the Dayton Ballet.[1] He is a resident of Oakwood,[2] is married to Dr. Melissa Butler and has three daughters.[3]

Ohio House of Representatives[edit]

Following Jon Husted's victory in the Ohio Secretary of State race, Husted resigned from the Ohio Senate. Soon after, Representative Peggy Lehner was chosen to replace him. This caused a vacancy in her former House seat, and Butler was ultimately chosen to serve the remainder of the term. He is eligible to serve in the Ohio House through 2020.

Butler was sworn into the Ohio House of Representatives on January 11, 2011. He chaired the House Judiciary Committee from 2013 to 2016.[4] From 2016 to 2019 Butler served as Chair of the House Civil Justice Committee. Butler is the Dean of the Caucus for the 133rd General Assembly.

On February 6, 2019, Butler was chosen by the Ohio House to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore. He also served as Vice Chair of Rules and Reference Committee.

Electoral history[edit]

Election results
Year Office Election Votes for Butler % Opponent Party Votes %
2012 Ohio House of Representatives General 34,707 59.55% Caroline Gentry Democrat 23,572 40.45%
2014 General 24,300 67.90% Wayne E. Small Democrat 11,490 32.10%
2016 General 37,157 63.15% Jimmy Calhoun Democrat 21,680 36.85%
2018 General 28,461 54.89% John McManus Democrat 23,387 45.11%

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Butler, Jim".
  2. ^ Jim Butler (R) Archived 2012-05-10 at the Wayback Machine (Ohio House of Representatives website)
  3. ^ "Kettering-Oakwood Times, "Lehner returns to Ohio Senate, Butler takes seat in House," January 1, 2011". Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved April 19, 2012.
  4. ^ Ohio Chamber of Commerce, "2012 General Assembly Primary Candidates," January 17, 2012 Archived January 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine

External links[edit]

Ohio House of Representatives
Preceded by Speaker pro tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives
2019–2021
Succeeded by