Even though they are running unopposed in the GOP primary, the Ohio Republican Party refused to endorse two Mahoning Valley incumbent state House members — Al Cutrona and Monica Robb Blasdel — because they were among 22 lawmakers who went against the party in the Ohio House speaker vote.

That January 2023 vote for Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, as speaker — who won the position after forming an alliance with the 32 House Democrats — resulted in the 22 Republican House members who voted for him to be censured by the state party shortly after the vote. With Democratic support, Stephens was elected speaker 54-43 over Derek Merrin, R-Monclova, after the Republican House Caucus had backed the latter.

The party’s state central committee voted Saturday to not endorse any of the Republican House members who backed Stephens in their primaries. After a lengthy debate, the party agreed to stay out of their races and not endorse their opponents if they had any.

The motion came from Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman Dave Johnson, a political ally of Robb Blasdel.

The party also endorsed state Sen. Sandra O’Brien, R-Lenox, in the 32nd Ohio Senate District primary. She is being challenged by state Rep. Mike Loychik, R-Bazetta, who was among the 22 House Republicans who voted for Stephens and was censured.

Dan Lusheck, Ohio Republican Party spokesman, said endorsed Republicans get to use the party’s heavily discounted bulk mail rate, can call themselves the party’s endorsed candidates on campaign materials and receive party financial backing in some cases.

“It gives us free rein to help them,” he said.

Asked if those censured for voting for Stephens could count on the party’s backing in the general election, Lusheck said: “I won’t speak to that quite yet. We have to get through the primary. It’s unclear what the implication is after the primary. It could potentially be discussed after the primary. But these are Republicans running against Democrats. In general, we back Republicans over Democrats unless there’s something unusual and then we stay out.”

Cutrona, R-Canfield, said the “ORP decided to stay out of a lot of races, which leaves it up to the voters to decide. I’m running unopposed in the primary, but have the full support of my local Republican Party, the chairman and the community. At this time I’m focused on representing my district and winning reelection.”

Robb Blasdel, R-Columbiana, said: “My constituents in Columbiana and Carroll counties understand and see how hard I’m working for them. It’s up to the voters. That’s what matters. The state central committee decided to leave it up to the locals. Ultimately, the committee did the right thing to leave it in the hands of the local communities.”

The recommendation to back O’Brien in the state Senate primary came from state Sen. Rob McColley, R-Napoleon and Senate majority floor leader, Lusheck said.

“The party defers to incumbents in good standing and take recommendations from House and Senate leadership,” he said.