Ohio Statehouse Unveils Portrait of Jason Stephens
The artwork honors the service of the state representative during his tenure as the 106th House speaker.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Officials unveiled an official portrait of former Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens at the Statehouse on Oct. 9, 2026. The painting commemorates his time leading the chamber from 2023 to 2025.
Why it matters
The portrait serves as a formal recognition of Stephens' legislative leadership and his two-year term as the 106th speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Jason Stephens served as the 106th speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives for two years, ending his tenure on Jan. 6, 2025. The painting process required eight months of work by artist Miriam Baranov.
The players
Jason Stephens
He is a state representative who served as the 106th speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Miriam Baranov
She is the artist who spent eight months painting the official portrait of the former House speaker.
The details
Painted by Miriam Baranov, the portrait includes personal details such as the initials of Stephens' granddaughter on his cufflinks and a recreation of his family homeplace on his lapel pin. The background of the artwork features the Chesapeake Bypass, reflecting the representative's ties to the region.
Timeline
Jan. 3, 2023 - Jan. 6, 2025: Jason Stephens served as speaker of the House.
Oct. 9, 2026: Portrait unveiling occurred at the Statehouse.
Political Context
The installation of this portrait follows the established tradition of honoring former Ohio House speakers at the Statehouse. This practice ensures that past legislative leaders remain part of the historical record represented in the state capitol building.
This event serves as a reminder of the legislative history in Ohio and the officials representing Lawrence, Gallia, and Jackson counties. Residents can view the portrait during standard public hours at the Statehouse in Columbus.
The takeaway
The detailed portrait serves as both a historical record and a personal tribute to the representative's roots in his home district. Visitors to the Statehouse can observe the fine craftsmanship, including details applied with a single-hair brush, as part of the legislative collection.
Further reading
Learn more about local governing practices on the Legislative Policy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tribune.
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