Ohio GOP Rep Resigns After Domestic Violence Arrest

The Akron Beacon-Journal reports:

State Rep. Bob Young announced his resignation from the Ohio House on Friday as he faces allegations of domestic violence and violating a restraining order.

In a letter to House Speaker Jason Stephens, the Republican from Green said the charges against him have become a distraction. Young, who first took office in January 2021, said he won’t continue serving “while these matters are pending” and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.

His resignation is effective Oct. 2. A spokesman for Young said he chose that date to “allow the replacement process to play out calmly” and ensure residents of the 32nd House District have a representative in the interim.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:

A number of Republicans, including Stephens, Gov. Mike DeWine and 34 GOP House members, have joined Democrats in calling for Young to step down in recent weeks.

Young has been arrested twice in recent months, first shortly after police say he assaulted two family members in two separate incidents in July, and then earlier this month, when police say he contacted one of the people he was barred from contacting as a result of a restraining order connected to the July incident.

Young has served in the Ohio House since January 2021, after he was elected to the office the previous November.

Ohio State Rep. Bob Young (R) is facing calls to resign after he allegedly struck his wife, threw her phone in a pool as she tried to call police, followed her as she fled to her brother-in-law’s house with her children and tackled his brother through a glass door.

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