Statehouse News Bureau

The Statehouse News Bureau provides educational, comprehensive coverage of legislation, elections, issues and other activities surrounding the Statehouse to Ohio's public radio and television stations.

Top Leaders In Ohio Senate Under Quarantine After Positive COVID-19 Test Among Their Ranks

By Andy Chow

Published September 14, 2020 at 10:15 PM EDT

(from left to right) Sen. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) and Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina), in February 2019. [Andy Chow/ Statehouse News Bureau] — (from left to right) Sen. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) and Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina), February 2019

State Sen. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House), the Ohio Senate President Pro Tempore, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Peterson, along with Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) have placed themselves under quarantine.

A spokesperson for the Senate Majority Caucus said Peterson is doing "OK." Peterson even participated in Monday's virtual meeting of the Ohio Controlling Board, which ultimately denied a request from Secretary of State Frank LaRose to pay the postage on Ohio’s mail-in ballots.

Obhof put himself under quarantine because he had a brief interaction with Peterson during an outdoor event last week. A spokesperson said Obhof's quarantine is out of an abundance of caution.

State Sens. Tina Maharath (D-Canal Winchester) and Frank Hoagland (R-Mingo Junction) have also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year.