Politics & Government

State Representative Rick Carfagna to resign, join Ohio Chamber of Commerce

WOSU 89.7 NPR News | By Trecia Pannell

Published January 25, 2022 at 2:31 PM EST

Rep. Rick Carfagna (R-Delaware) discusses newly introduced legislation that would provide three exemptions for employees from being required to receive a coronavirus vaccine, including showing proof of natural antibodies from COVID-19, on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Columbus. The other exemptions are for employees who can show evidence of negative medical reactions to the vaccine, and reasons of conscience including religious convictions.

State Representative Rick Carfagna (R) announced today that he will be stepping down from his position in the Ohio legislature and starting a new position as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Carfagna represents Ohio's 68th House district, which includes Delaware and Knox counties.

Carfagna said there is still much to do to make the state a welcoming and prosperous place for all Ohioans, and that he is not walking away from the public arena but, "shifting to a different capacity to promote the ideals that will enrich and advance your respective American Dreams."

Last fall Carfagna co-sponsored House Bill 435, which would have allowed wide exemptions to any vaccine mandate imposed by private companies on their employees. The bill, which stalled, was opposed by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Last year Ohio congressman Steve Stivers stepped down from his role representing Ohio’s 15th district to head the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.