Republicans will wait a few weeks before starting the process to replace state Rep. Don Manning of New Middletown, who died last Friday.

“We’re in no rush,” said Mahoning County Republican Party Chairman Thomas McCabe. “Out of respect to Don and his family, we’re going to wait a few weeks to open this up.”

Manning, 52, was serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives when he died suddenly of an apparent heart attack.

The person selected would fill the remainder of Manning’s term, which expires Dec. 31, and would be the party’s nominee during the November general election for the House’s 59th District seat, McCabe said.

The county Republican Party plans to set up a screening committee to vet candidates who will submit letters of interest and resumes, and be interviewed, McCabe said. The final decision rests with the Ohio House Republican Caucus.

“We’ll give two to three names to the House Caucus and they can choose one of those names or choose someone else,” he said. “Whoever is appointed would run in November to retain the seat. We’re just taking a pause. There’s no rush at this point. They’re not in session.”

McCabe said he’s been in contact with the office of Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder to discuss the matter.

While he declined to name those interested, McCabe said several people have inquired about seeking the appointment.

“There’s a lot of people thinking about it,” he said. “It’s a difficult job. It’s a lot of traveling back and forth between Columbus. It’s a big responsibility.”

Manning served for only 14 months, but McCabe said: “He was turning into a great state legislator. He was a rising star.”

Manning was elected in November 2018, beating Poland Township Trustee Eric C. Ungaro by 375 votes.

Before that, Manning served a year as a New Middletown village councilman.

Since 2000, Manning had unsuccessfully run for several elected offices including Trumbull County clerk of courts, Trumbull County commissioner, U.S. Congress, Mahoning County commissioner and for the state House seat in 2016.

The 59th District includes all of Beaver, Beloit, Berlin, Boardman, Canfield, Craig Beach, Ellsworth, Goshen Green, Jackson, Milton, New Middletown, Poland, Sebring, Smith, Springfield, Washingtonville and a small section of Austintown.

dskolnick@tribtoday.com