Controversial Baptist preacher Gary Click sworn in to be next state representative

Fremont, Ohio — Controversial Baptist preacher and state representative-elect Gary Click (R-Vickery) was sworn in Tuesday in preparation for taking office in January.

The swearing-in ceremony took place Tuesday afternoon at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum in Fremont. Click was sworn in by Judge Brad Smith of the Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas Probate and Juvenile Divisions.

Speakers at the ceremony included current state Rep. Bill Reineke, Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz, Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez, Bellevue Mayor Kevin Strecker, and Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton.

Gary Click (TiffinOhio.net Composite)

Click won a three-way Republican primary race earlier this year for the 88th district Ohio House seat, which covers the majority of Seneca County and all of Sandusky County. He then went on to defeat Democratic challenger Chris Liebold, of Fremont, in the November general election.

Before announcing his candidacy for the seat, many in the district became familiar with Click after he made statewide news for an incident with a fellow Republican candidate for another office. Click was caught on video berating former Ohio Senate candidate Melissa Ackison (R-Marysville) at the Union County Fair, and that incident prompted a lawsuit to be filed by Ackison’s legal team against Click for defamation.

The lawsuit against Click, filed in the Sandusky County Common Pleas Court earlier this year, has since been dropped by Ackison’s legal team.

“I am humbled and I am honored to serve you,” Click said during the ceremony.