Ohio Lawmakers Push for Buckeye Candy & a Fix to the Tree’s Name

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Two new bipartisan bills at the Statehouse aim to give the state’s beloved buckeye symbol a little extra shine.

Sen. Bill DeMora (D–Columbus) wants to make buckeye candy Ohio’s official state candy, pointing to its popularity at holidays, family gatherings, and its undeniable connection to Ohio State culture.

Made with peanut butter dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut of the buckeye tree, the treat is considered one of Ohio’s most recognizable sweets.

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“The buckeye candy is more than just a dessert; it’s a reflection of Ohio’s heritage and identity,” DeMora said.

His bill is waiting on a number and committee assignment.

On the other side of the Statehouse, Rep. Sean Brennan (D–Parma) introduced a separate bill to clean up a decades-old typo in the state code. Since 1953, Ohio law has listed the buckeye tree’s scientific name incorrectly as Aesculus globra instead of Aesculus glabra.

“As a proud Buckeye, I believe our state’s official symbols deserve to be represented with accuracy and respect,” Brennan said, calling the fix a matter of pride and attention to detail.

His legislation (also awaiting committee referral) doesn’t change the tree’s designation, just the spelling.

Together, the two measures highlight how deeply Ohio’s culture, traditions, and even its paperwork tie back to the buckeye.