Local state senator announces he’s not seeking reelection

MIAMISBURG — Ohio Sen. Niraj Antani, R-Miamisburg, announced Monday that he is not seeking reelection to the state Senate.

In an exclusive interview with News Center 7′s John Bedell, Antani said he will be serving out his full term through December 31, 2024.

“Today, I am announcing that I am not seeking reelection for the state Senate. I will be serving out my full term and I will be tomorrow announcing what I will be doing in my political future,” Antani said.

When News Center 7 pressed Antani for what that announcement involves and what he will be doing next politically, he said, “We’ll be announcing that tomorrow.”

Ohio’s most recent redistricting process flipped Ohio’s 6th senate district, which includes most of central and southern Montgomery County, and which Antani currently represents, from a toss-up district to one that favors Democrats by more than eight percentage points.

Bedell asked how that change factored into Antani’s decision not to run for re-election. Antani said, “It didn’t factor into it at all. I think it’ll become apparent when I make my announcement tomorrow of why I chose this. But really, again, I’m making this announcement today because I want to be able to say thank you to my constituents.”

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Antani told News Center 7 that there are many things he wants to see completed over the next 13 months.

“Inflation is still hurting Ohioans, I think that there’s a workforce issue that we still need to work on,” Antani said. “Obviously, the drug epidemic continues to kill and there’s a lot of work to be done, and I’ll be running through the finish line.”

Antani also resigned from the Montgomery County Republican Party’s central and executive committees Monday.

He said he was grateful for his supporters over the years.

“I just want to say thank you, to my constituents, to my supporters for the steadfast and strong support over the years,” Antani said. “Truly, I’ve worked hard every day to make the American dream, a reality for every single person in my district and across Ohio, and I’m just so grateful for the last nine years and the 10 years that I will end up serving the community. And I’m just very, very grateful.”

We will continue updating this story as more information becomes available.

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