COLUMBUS - In the wake of last night's resounding election victory for Democrats in Ohio and across the nation, Innovation Ohio CEO Michael McGovern is releasing the following statement:

"The people of Ohio sent a clear message: we want a new direction for our state. We expect our elected officials – no matter what party – to respect the will of the people.

We’ve seen Republicans in Ohio’s General Assembly go to great lengths to seize power so they can enact their unpopular agenda. But last night, on their unconstitutionally gerrymandered maps, Ohioans elected Democrats in a majority of our state’s congressional seats.

We will not allow Republican state lawmakers to go back to their bag of dirty tricks. We’re watching this lame duck session closely for legislation meant to strip Governor-elect Amy Acton, or any other statewide officials, of the powers we elected them to hold. Ohioans have spoken. We rejected the MAGA agenda of cruelty and chose leaders who will work every day to make life easier for Ohio families.

We’re expecting the Republican leadership in the statehouse to work with Governor-elect Acton to help everyday Ohioans, rather than throwing our state into a constitutional crisis."