Ohio Senate President Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring, a Stark County Republican and member of the state legislature for more than three decades, has died at the age of 72.
The Ohio Senate announced Schuring's death Friday morning, noting he had fought "a courageous battle with cancer." Tributes have since poured in from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including from Gov. Mike DeWine:
"Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of State Senator Kirk Schuring. Kirk was a model legislator. Not only was he a fierce advocate for his constituents in Canton and Stark County, but he also was a legislator who did the hard work every day in committee and on the floor to get meaningful legislation passed. His legislative accomplishments were broad based, encompassing economic development, helping small businesses prosper, enhancing school safety, and promoting public safety, especially helping victims of crime. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Kirk's wife, Darlene; his children; and his entire family."
DeWine has ordered all flags at the Statehouse and across Stark County to fly at half-staff in honor of Schuring, where they will remain until sunset on the day of his funeral.
Senate President Matt Huffman also mourned the passing of his friend, calling him "a statesman." Officials emphasized he continued to work hard even in his final days, often calling from his hospital bed to discuss pending legislation.
"There is no finer member of the General Assembly or finer Ohioan who served in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse," Huffman wrote. "Kirk's heart was in Ohio, and it showed with his commitment, drive, and integrity for the job the people elected him to do decade after decade."
Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) referred to Schuring's death as "a huge loss for Ohio and the institution of the Ohio General Assembly." She further highlighted his bipartisanship and passion for important issues, such as the economy and protecting survivors of sexual assault.
"He was the epitome of what it means to be a statesman and gentleman," Antonio said. "He was someone who was always willing to work together toward the betterment of Ohio with class, humor, and grace."
A lifelong resident of Greater Canton, Schuring attended both Perry High School and Kent State University. He made his first foray into electoral politics in 1993 when he was appointed to a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, and after being elected in his own right a year later, he would remain in the General Assembly in some form for the rest of his life.
Due to term limit restrictions in both chambers, Schuring served in the House from 1993-2002 and again from 2011-18, followed by the Senate from 2003-10 and from 2019 to the present day. As a state representative, he was briefly Ohio's acting speaker of the house in 2018 following the resignation of Cliff Rosenberger.
Schuring briefly tried his hand at national politics, running for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 in the now-defunct 16th Congressional District. Though the seat leaned Republican at the time, he lost by double digits to Democrat and fellow state legislator John Boccieri.
Upon returning to the Senate five years ago, Schuring was chosen to be the GOP majority leader in 2021 before moving up to president pro tempore in 2023. Long a champion of the state's Motion Picture Tax Credit, he fought for the measure's eventual expansion during his most recent tenure, and had recently written a bill seeking to raise the exemption cap to $100 million.
According to the Senate, Schuring is survived by his wife Darlene, their two children, and six grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, but calling hours are expected to be held at the Kent State Stark Campus Conference Center in North Canton, followed by services at The Old Stone Chapel in Canton.
Read more tributes to Schuring below: