COLUMBUS — Former Erie County Treasurer Caleb Stidham took was sworn into office on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives on Tuesday, filling the seat for Ohio’s 89th House District following his election victory on Nov. 3.
The 89th District encompasses all of Erie County alongside portions of Ottawa and Huron Counties.
Stidham, 29, celebrated the oath of office in a public statement released shortly after the House floor ceremony:
“It was an incredible honor to be sworn in today on the House floor as state representative of the 89th Ohio House District,” Stidham said. “Thank you to the residents of Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties for the tremendous privilege of serving you in the Ohio House of Representatives.”
Caleb goes to Columbus
Stidham’s ascension to the state legislature follows a high-stakes local election cycle. Originally elected as Erie County Treasurer in 2020, Stidham became the Republican nominee for the 89th House District in August after incumbent D.J. Swearingen withdrew from the general election ballot. Ironically, Swearingen opted for a job in an anti-fraud unit working for the Trump administration in Washington after winning the party’s nomination in May.
After surviving a pre-election legal challenge before the Supreme Court of Ohio regarding the district committee’s nomination process, Stidham went on to win the general election Nov. 3. The Ohio House leadership formally appointed and seated him Tuesday to complete the transition.
Regional leaders react
Political and civic leaders from across Northwest Ohio extended congratulations following Tuesday’s swearing-in, citing Stidham’s prior tenure managing county finances and his focus on regional economic issues.
During his campaign, Stidham pointed to his record in Erie County—where he championed property tax relief and expanded treasury office access—as a model for his Statehouse agenda. His stated top priorities for the upcoming legislative session include state-level property tax reform, expanding career-technical education opportunities, and securing funding for local infrastructure and public safety.
Stidham’s resignation from his county post opens up a vacancy for the Erie County Treasurer position, which will be filled according to statutory appointment procedures by the local party central committee.