Physicians in the Ohio General Assembly play a vital role not only in caring for patients but also in shaping the future of healthcare policy in Ohio. With new legislative sessions ahead and the 2026 election cycle on the horizon, it’s more important than ever that physicians have a seat at the table helping lawmakers understand how policy decisions impact real people and practices.

In Ohio, there are three physicians in the legislature state Senators Steve Huffman and Beth Liston, and state Representative Anita Somani. Having physicians representing our communities ensures that the voice of medicine is represented on issues ranging from patient safety and access to care to workforce challenges and public health. These leaders bring firsthand experience and bipartisan collaboration to the conversations that shape Ohio’s healthcare landscape.

We encourage you to learn more about these physicians and the issues they’re advocating for:

• Sen. Steven Huffman, MD (R) - District 5
  • Ohio Senate webpage
  • Campaign website
• Sen. Beth Liston, MD, PhD (D) - District 16
  • Ohio Senate webpage
  • Campaign website
• Rep. Anita Somani, MD (D) - District 8 
  • Ohio House of Representatives webpage
  • Campaign website

The CMA’s Public Policy Committee will meet in November to refine its 2026 policy agenda and advocacy priorities guided by the belief that evidence-based medicine and the patient-physician relationship must remain at the center of healthcare decision-making. Watch for updates in the CMA News email newsletter next month.

In addition, find additional advocacy-related resources on the CMA website:

• Advocacy Resource Page
• Advocacy Updates on the CMA blog
• Advocacy Training from past CMA President Sen. Beth Liston, MD
• Share your public policy concerns, priorities, and feedback