In this Oct. 6, 2021 photo, Rep. Don Jones, a Freeport Republican, asks a question about a bill that would limit employers' abilities to require that workers receive the coronavirus vaccine at a legislative hearing in Columbus, Ohio. Jones is the sponsor of legislation pending in the House State and Local Government Committee that would prevent districts from requiring that history or civics teachers "discuss current events or widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs." (AP Photo/Andrew Welsh-Huggins)

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Don Jones, a Republican from Freeport, will resign from the Ohio House of Representatives on June 1 after accepting a federal appointment from President Donald Trump to serve as state executive director for the Ohio Farm Service Agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Jones, who has represented the 95th House District since 2019, will begin his new role with the USDA on June 2.

“Don Jones has honorably served the constituents of the 95th House District and has continued to be a dependable leader for our Caucus on issues related to agriculture, education and natural resources,” House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said in a statement Tuesday. “I am grateful for his advocacy and his service to southeastern Ohio since 2019 and, on behalf of all of the members of the House, I look forward to working with him in this new role.”

The 95th District includes all of Harrison, Noble and Morgan counties, as well as portions of Belmont, Guernsey and Athens counties.

In a written statement, Jones said serving the district for more than six years has been an “honor and privilege.”

“The 95th District may have changed its configuration since my beginning in 2019, but one thing has remained the same — it is still a hardworking, blue-collar district, full of people who are proud of their values, morals and integrity,” Jones said. “I would like to say, ‘Thank You’ to those who have supported me through this journey and ask that you continue to work to make Appalachia the very best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Huffman also announced that a screening panel will soon be formed to vet candidates interested in filling Jones’ vacant seat. Speaker Pro Tempore Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, will chair the panel, which will include four other Republican House members.

Residents of the 95th House District who wish to be considered for the appointment should provide a resume, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting materials to Huffman at 77 S. High St., 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; and to Mike Dittoe, Chief of Staff, 77 S. High St., 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Applicants may also email their materials to Huffman at Rep78@ohiohouse.gov and to Dittoe at Mike.Dittoe@ohiohouse.gov. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, June 6.

The screening panel is expected to begin interviews the week of June 9, with a new representative likely to be sworn in before the legislature’s summer recess at the end of the month.