Rulli Announces Run for Johnson’s US House Seat

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – State Sen. Michael Rulli of Salem announced Monday that he will seek the U.S. House seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson.

Johnson, who represents Ohio’s 6th District, was selected in November to become Youngstown State University’s 10th president.

“I’m proud to announce that after consideration with my family, voters and local leaders I will be running for Congress in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District,” Rulli, R-33rd, said in a news release announcing his campaign. “As a husband, father, and small businessman I’m running to focus on the future of Ohio families. We need a leader in Congress who will focus on tackling inflation, job creation, and growing our economy by unleashing American energy. We need to begin putting America first.”

Rulli, who is also director of operations for Rulli Bros. Markets, is currently serving his second term in the Ohio Senate.

Johnson said at a Nov. 21 news conference that he plans to start at YSU by March 15. Helen K. Lafferty, YSU’s interim president, announced at a trustees meeting Dec. 7 that she will leave Dec. 31.

“The Board and President-Elect Johnson are currently working on a concrete start date, that will be no later than March 15, 2024,” Rebecca Rose, university spokeswoman, said in an email. “A transition plan is currently being developed.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.