Ohio politicians reacted with joy on Friday to LeBron James’s decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers four years after he spurned the city for Miami.
Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) said this is another win for Cleveland after the Republican National Committee announced this week the city would host the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), who represents parts of Cleveland and Akron, said she was thrilled LeBron is returning home. He’s a native of Akron.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said it was a “big week” for Cleveland.
Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) said this was “more good news for Cleveland.”
James made the highly-anticipated announcement online for Sports Illustrated.
“I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home,” he said, after explaining he didn’t realize when he left Ohio four years ago that Northeast Ohio is “bigger than basketball.” He has been playing for the Miami Heat.
The James decision wasn’t received as well in Florida, where the Miami Heat’s playoff expectations are likely to be diminished after four straight NBA finals.
Still, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wished LeBron well.
Rubio predicted earlier this week that LeBron wouldn’t move back to Ohio.
Cleveland was crushed when James left the city. The Cavaliers immediately became one of the worst teams in the league, and fans burned James jerseys in the street. That ill will seemed to be forgotten, however, by Ohio politicians on Friday.
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) welcomed LeBron home and so did Rep. Steve Stivers (R).