Former Speaker Larry Householder Appeals HB 6 Conviction

By Miranda Morrow | February 7, 2025

COLUMBUS, OH — Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder returned to the courtroom this week as his legal team appealed his 2023 racketeering conviction stemming from the largest public corruption scandal in Ohio history.

Before a three-judge panel, Householder’s attorney argued that his role in advancing House Bill 6—legislation that funneled over $1 billion in subsidies to nuclear and coal plants—fell within the bounds of “regular politics.” The defense contended that the jury was misled by instructions that equated political campaign contributions with criminal conduct, thus undermining the legitimacy of the verdict.

The appeal comes as Householder continues to serve his 20-year federal prison sentence. Central to the conviction was evidence that a dark money group controlled by Householder secretly received over $60 million from FirstEnergy and related interests to secure the passage of HB 6 and protect it from repeal efforts.

Notably, Householder’s legal team disclosed that he will no longer pursue a clemency request from President Trump—an option he had reportedly considered following Trump’s 2024 election victory.

The appellate court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming months. The outcome could have lasting implications for the intersection of campaign finance, lobbying, and legislative influence, not just in Ohio but across the country.