State Rep. Mike Loychik, R-Bazetta, was sworn-in for his first term of office this week as the state representative for the 63rd Ohio House District. The district encompasses a portion of Trumbull County.

Also Monday, state Rep. Tim Ginter, R-Salem, was sworn in to his fourth term for the 5th Ohio House District, which includes all of Columbiana County.

Ginter also has been elected to serve on Speaker Bob Cupp, R-Lima’s leadership team, as speaker pro-tempore, for the chamber’s 134th General Assembly.

Loychik said afterward: “It was an honor and a privilege for me to officially begin this new journey to serve the people of Trumbull County down at the Statehouse. I’m excited to start representing the needs of my constituents and am ready to get to work.”

Loychik has had previous experience in public service, having dedicated eight years to the Air Force. He served as a C-130 crew chief with a special operations group, as well as a combat search and rescue group. Currently, Loychik works as a small-business owner that offers professional pressure-washing and soft-washing services.

As for Ginter, he said: “It’s an honor to finish out my final term in the Ohio House by being selected to represent our caucus on the leadership team. As we head into 2021, I know we have a lot of work to do in order to provide real solutions for Ohioans. This has been a very difficult year for so many of our people, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy that is going to have a positive impact on our state.”

The speaker pro-tempore takes on a more active role during a House session. Ginter encourages his constituents to reach out to his office with any questions, concerns, or ideas at Rep05@ohiohouse.gov.

He serving his fourth term as a state representative.

In the Ohio Senate, Judge Mary Katherine Huffman of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas this week administered the oath of office to state Sen. Sandra O’Brien, R-Ashtabula, marking the beginning of her first four-year term.

The 32nd Senate District, which covers Ashtabula and Trumbull counties and portions of Geauga County.

“I am honored to represent the voices of the people in the 32nd Senate District,” O’Brien said. “I look forward to working hard with my colleagues to build a stronger Ohio.”

Prior to being elected to the Senate, O’Brien served as Ashtabula County auditor for three terms. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Edinboro University.

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