Kirk Schuring

James Kirk Schuring (September 17, 1952 – November 22, 2024) was an American politician of the Republican Party from the state of Ohio. He was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1993 to 2002, and from 2011 to 2018. Schuring also served in the Ohio Senate from 2003 to 2010, before returning in 2018 and serving there until his death.

In 2018, Schuring was interim Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, following the resignation of Speaker Cliff Rosenberger. Rosenberger resigned amid revelations he was under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was also the Republican nominee for Ohio's 16th congressional district in 2008.

Career Schuring joined his family's insurance agency in Plain Township, Stark County, Ohio, in 1978, and took it over after his father's death two years later. In the 126th General Assembly, Schuring served as Reference Committee Chairman.

In 2006, he defeated Democrat Thomas West again with 55% of the vote. He again served as Reference Committee Chairman for the 127th General Assembly.

2008 congressional campaign When Congressman Ralph Regula announced in late-2007 that he would not seek another term in Congress, Schuring won the Republican nomination to succeed him. His opponent was fellow state Senator John Boccieri, who had been elected to the Senate in 2006. While historically a Republican district, Boccieri won with 55.36% of the vote.

Ohio House of Representatives (2011–2019) Schuring again faced term limits in 2010 in the Senate, and Oelslager too could not run for another term. As a result, they again ran for each other's seats. The maneuver again proved successful, with Schuring defeating Democrat Andrew Haines with 69.2% of the vote in the general election.

Schuring was sworn in to begin his second tenure in the House on January 3, 2011. In 2012, Schuring won reelection with 57.34% over Democrat Amanda Trump.

Political positions Schuring worked to develop a pension reform plan that doesn't involve hikes to employer contribution to public retirement systems. There's a "sentiment of caution" among many lawmakers in terms of pension reform. He said many lawmakers are "justifiably sensitive to the plight of local governments." He had been critical to finding a solution in providing a cost efficient and solvent solution to the public pension systems.

The only Republican to vote against the measure, Schuring joined Democrats in voting against a measure to require a photo ID when casting a ballot in Ohio. Many had criticized Republicans for pushing the measure through the legislature.

Abortion legislation In 2019, Schuring co-sponsored Ohio Senate Bill 23, often referred to as the "Heartbeat Bill." The law bans most abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, typically around six weeks into pregnancy. It includes no exceptions for rape or incest. Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill into law on April 11, 2019.

Schuring’s support of SB 23 aligned with his long-standing record of backing anti-abortion legislation in the Ohio General Assembly. The bill attracted national attention and was swiftly challenged in court.

In September 2022, a Hamilton County judge temporarily blocked the enforcement of the law, restoring legal abortion access in Ohio up to 22 weeks of pregnancy while ongoing litigation proceeded.

Personal life and death Schuring married Darlene Newkirk in 1975, and they had two children. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home on November 22, 2024, at the age of 72.