“Throughout my career in public service, I have been committed to promoting policies that advance our economy, get people into work and put our country’s tax house in order,” Stivers said in his statement. “That’s why I look forward to this new opportunity at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, where I can continue my efforts to support free enterprise and economic growth here in Ohio.”
Currently, the House balance is 218 Democrats and 212 Republicans with five vacancies. With the departure of Stivers, the Republicans would have 211. A date for a special election to fill the seat has yet to be determined, a decision left to GOP Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio.
While Stivers is the first member of the Republican House to announce that he is resigning in the near future, five others have said they will be leaving the House at the end of the term, including two looking for a higher position. Three Democrats have already resigned from the House to join the Biden administration, and three others have said they will no longer participate in 2022.
The state’s 15th congressional district, which includes parts of Columbus and its suburbs, as well as more rural areas, has a distinctive Republican tendency. Former President Donald Trump won 56.3% in the district in 2020, a little better than 2016. Stivers outperformed Trump last November with 63% in the district.
Stivers was first elected in 2010 and is a member of the Financial Services Committee. He also chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee, House Republicans’ campaign rooftop, during the 2018 election cycle, when his party lost 40 seats.
Before joining Congress, Stivers served in the Ohio State Senate. He is also a member of the Ohio Army National Guard and earned a Bronze Star for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Djibouti.
This story was updated on Monday with additional developments.