Larry Lee Householder (born June 6, 1959) is an American politician who was the state representative for Ohio's 72nd district and was a two-time Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. He is a member of the Republican Party. Householder represented the same district from 1997 to 2004, including as speaker from 2001 to 2004. In 2016, he was elected to the Statehouse again and on January 7, 2019, he was selected to serve again as speaker. His district included Coshocton and Perry counties, as well as about half of Licking County. On July 21, 2020, the FBI arrested Householder on federal RICO charges. The charges allege that his return to politics in 2016 was part of a criminal conspiracy. The Ohio House of Representatives unanimously removed Householder as speaker on July 30. In November 2020, Householder won reelection to his seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, but he was expelled from the House on June 16, 2021. Early life and education Born in Zanesville, Ohio, Householder was raised in Junction City, Ohio, where he worked on his family's farm. He then attended Ohio University, earning a degree in political science. He is married with five children. Career Householder ran an insurance agency and served as Perry County commissioner before seeking higher office. Ohio House of Representatives 1997–2004 In 1996, he ran for Ohio's 78th House district, challenging incumbent Democrat Mary Abel of Athens. Householder defeated Abel with 55.03% of the vote. He was reelected three times. In 1998, Householder was elected to serve as assistant majority whip. In 2001, he was elected to serve as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, the highest post in the House. He served two terms as speaker, during which he led major legislative reforms, including introducing concealed carry, passing tort reform and defunding Planned Parenthood—making Ohio the first state to do so. In 2004, Householder and several top advisers were investigated for alleged money laundering and irregular campaign practices. The government closed the case without filing charges. He was term-limited in 2004. Householder was later elected the Perry County Auditor. 2017–2021 When incumbent state Representative Bill Hayes ran for Licking County prosecutor in 2016, Householder ran for his old seat, renamed District 72 after redistricting. Householder defeated Cliff N. Biggers in the Republican primary with almost 64% of the vote. He won the general election against Democrat John Carlisle with 72%