2026 Catholic Voter Guide

Ohio

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov. 3
Step 1
Check or update your registration
Register →
Vote by mail
Request or track a mail ballot
Absentee →
On Election Day
Find your polling place
Look it up →
Beat the line
Vote early
Early voting →

Ohio voters need no reason to vote absentee. Early in-person voting is underway at each county’s early voting location, and all absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
Ohio · 2026

U.S. Senate (special election)

Special election for the rest of JD Vance’s term, which runs through January 2029. Husted was appointed in January 2025.

Download printable PDF ↓
Sherrod Brown
Democrat · Challenger
Former U.S. Senator (2007–2025) who lost his 2024 reelection bid; previously a U.S. Representative.
Campaign website ↗
Jon Husted
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Senator since January 2025 (appointed after JD Vance became vice president); former Ohio lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Jon Husted
Supported U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and voted in March 2026 against a war powers resolution requiring congressional approval; has said he expects the war to be “brief and successful.” Opposed blocking weapons transfers to Israel.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Sherrod Brown
Says data centers should pay their full utility costs and opposes “over-the-top tax breaks” for tech companies. Sponsored legislation to expand organizing and collective bargaining rights.
Jon Husted
Introduced the CHAT Act to require parental consent and age verification for AI companion chatbots. His spokesperson says data centers “are, and should remain, a local decision,” and that his bill would require them “to pay for the power they use.”
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Jon Husted
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law, which reduced Medicaid spending and added work requirements. Voted against extending enhanced ACA tax credits and against raising the federal minimum wage to $17.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Sherrod Brown
Supports legal abortion and “abortion access for all women.” Voted in 2022 to bar government restrictions on abortion access and opposed overturning Roe v. Wade.
Jon Husted
Opposes abortion; sponsored a bill barring federal funding of abortion and abortions in federal facilities. Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law, which cut federal Medicaid payments to some abortion providers. Endorsed by SBA Pro-Life America.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Sherrod Brown
Wants to “strengthen the border” and fund border agents; opposes ICE “targeting of innocent families.” Supported a path to citizenship for DACA recipients.
Jon Husted
Supports “securing the border and adding more agents.” Voted for roughly $75 billion in added ICE funding in the 2025 reconciliation law and has said ICE agents “do a really good job.”
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Sherrod Brown
Opposes private school vouchers, saying they move “money out of public education into religious schools and other private schools.”
Jon Husted
Supports school choice tax credits for students “seeking a faith-based education”; helped create Ohio’s EdChoice scholarship program.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Sherrod Brown
Voted for clean energy tax credits in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act; opposed an EPA coal-plant greenhouse gas rule as “unrealistic.” Supports Great Lakes protections.
Jon Husted
Voted to end Biden-era clean energy tax credits and supports repealing EPA greenhouse gas standards for coal plants.
Ohio · 2026

Governor

Open seat (Gov. Mike DeWine is term-limited). Libertarian Don Kissick is also on the ballot.

Download printable PDF ↓
Amy Acton
Democrat · Open seat
Physician and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, who advised Gov. Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Campaign website ↗
Vivek Ramaswamy
Republican · Open seat
Biotech entrepreneur and 2024 Republican presidential candidate; endorsed by President Trump.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Amy Acton
No public position found.
Vivek Ramaswamy
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Amy Acton
Pledges that Ohio “never becomes a right-to-work state” and to defend collective bargaining. Wants more transparency and regulation for data centers and fewer financial incentives.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Supports bargaining rights for police, firefighters, and trades but says teacher collective bargaining is “the one area” he would not rule out eliminating. Would halt new data centers until residents get free electricity and lower property taxes.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Amy Acton
Proposes a state Earned Income Credit and a child tax credit of up to $1,000; would protect Medicaid enrollment, relieve medical debt, and raise the minimum wage.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Says Medicaid without work requirements has harmed those it was meant to help and pledges to prosecute Medicaid fraud. Proposes phasing out the state income tax and cutting property taxes.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Amy Acton
Pledges to protect “safe, legal abortion care, contraception, fertility treatments, and miscarriage care” and to defend the 2023 reproductive rights amendment (Issue 1).
Vivek Ramaswamy
“I am pro-life. I believe that unborn life is life.” Opposed the 2023 reproductive rights amendment and has backed a ban at about six weeks.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Amy Acton
Would keep Ohio’s moratorium on executions — “I will be continuing the moratorium” — and prefers life imprisonment without parole for the worst crimes.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Would resume executions “in the rare cases for the most egregious of crimes,” only with “absolute certainty,” using methods he calls ethical and effective.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Amy Acton
Says people here illegally should be dealt with under the law, but enforcement must be lawful: “we also have to treat people like human beings.” Criticized ICE operations in Minneapolis.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Says families here illegally should be returned to their home countries humanely, with a path back through “legal meritocratic immigration”; pledges “I will never separate parents from children.” Has supported ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Amy Acton
Would “bring reform” to Ohio’s private school voucher program, saying “public money should be for public schools.”
Vivek Ramaswamy
Supports Ohio’s school voucher program and wants to take school choice “to the next level”; pledges “meaningful choices over where and how their children learn.”
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Amy Acton
Backs an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy using the “lowest-cost and cleanest” sources; would restore energy efficiency and renewable portfolio standards.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Calls “the climate agenda” a “hoax”; plans to expand natural gas, streamline energy permits, and require data centers to meet air and water standards.
Ohio · 2026

U.S. House, District 1

Redrawn to add Warren and Clinton counties; Trump would have carried it by about 3 points in 2024.

Download printable PDF ↓
Eric Conroy
Republican · Challenger
Air Force Academy graduate and former Special Operations captain; former CIA officer.
Campaign website ↗
Greg Landsman
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2023; former Cincinnati City Council member and public school teacher.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Eric Conroy
Supports continued military aid to Israel without conditions and President Trump’s efforts to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon; favors “peace through strength.”
Greg Landsman
Voted against an Iran war powers resolution in March 2026, then for later resolutions directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. Voted for the Ukraine Support Act.
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Eric Conroy
Emphasizes workforce development, vocational education, and small business growth; no stated position on AI regulation or unions found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Eric Conroy
Pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare and opposes benefit cuts or raising the retirement age. No stated position on Medicaid or the ACA found.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Eric Conroy
No public position found.
Greg Landsman
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Eric Conroy
Supports more Border Patrol agents, surveillance technology, and completing the border wall; backs “quick and fair processing of asylum claims” and swift deportation of violent criminals.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Eric Conroy
Supports policies that “empower parents and local communities” in education and returning federal education funding to states and local districts.
Greg Landsman
Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law, which created a federal tax credit for donations to K–12 scholarship organizations. Supports increased public school funding.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Eric Conroy
Supports “restoring American energy independence” and expanding domestic energy production with fewer regulations. No stated position on climate found.
Ohio · 2026

U.S. House, District 7

Trump carried the district by 11 points in 2024. Miller faces abuse allegations from his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend, which he denies; the deadline to replace him on the ballot has passed.

Download printable PDF ↓
Max Miller
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2023; Marine Corps Reserve veteran and former Trump White House aide.
Campaign website ↗
Brian Poindexter
Democrat · Challenger
Union ironworker and apprenticeship instructor; longtime Brook Park city councilman.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Max Miller
Voted against each 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran. Voted for the Ukraine Support Act.
Voting record
Brian Poindexter
“I support ending the Iran war to bring down gas prices.” Has called on Miller to oppose the war.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Brian Poindexter
Says the first bill he will sign on to is the PRO Act to strengthen unions; wants “strong protections to make sure AI does not displace workers” and local control over data centers.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Brian Poindexter
Opposes the health care cuts in the 2025 reconciliation law and supports restoring expired ACA tax credits, Medicare drug price negotiation, and a higher minimum wage.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Max Miller
No public position found.
Brian Poindexter
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brian Poindexter
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Brian Poindexter
Wants to “slow down data centers,” give communities control over them, and ensure no one pays more for electricity to subsidize them; prioritizes lower gas and diesel prices.
Ohio · 2026

U.S. House, District 9

Redrawn in 2025 to favor Republicans; Trump would have carried it by about 11 points in 2024.

Download printable PDF ↓
Marcy Kaptur
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 1983; the longest-serving woman in congressional history.
Campaign website ↗
Derek Merrin
Republican · Challenger
Former Ohio state representative and House Republican Caucus leader; former mayor of Waterville.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Marcy Kaptur
Opposes “endless wars” and voted for every 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran. Voted for the Ukraine Support Act.
Voting record
Derek Merrin
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Derek Merrin
Emphasizes bringing jobs back to the U.S. and trades education; secured a state requirement that school counselors train at construction trades facilities. No AI position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Derek Merrin
Pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare and supports ending federal taxes on Social Security benefits. As state Health Committee chair, pushed price transparency.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Marcy Kaptur
No public position found.
Derek Merrin
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Derek Merrin
Supports finishing the border wall, deporting illegal immigrants, and “sending the military to secure the border to stop drug cartels and human trafficking.”
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Marcy Kaptur
Supports an “all-of-the-above” energy approach and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to fight Lake Erie algal blooms. Voted against repealing IRA home electrification rebates.
Derek Merrin
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Ohio · 2026

U.S. House, District 10

Dayton-area district made modestly more Republican in redistricting (Trump +8).

Download printable PDF ↓
Kristina Knickerbocker
Democrat · Challenger
Air Force veteran (2015–2025) and oncology nurse practitioner.
Campaign website ↗
Mike Turner
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2003; former mayor of Dayton.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Kristina Knickerbocker
No public position found.
Mike Turner
Voted against each 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran. Voted for the Ukraine Support Act.
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Kristina Knickerbocker
Calls for “strengthening workers’ rights and raising wages” and making corporations pay for data center infrastructure. No specific AI position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Kristina Knickerbocker
Says “healthcare is a right” and will work toward universal coverage; would protect Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and the ACA, add a public option, and cap child care costs.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Kristina Knickerbocker
No public position found.
Mike Turner
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Kristina Knickerbocker
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Kristina Knickerbocker
Calls for public health infrastructure ensuring “clean air, water, and resources”; would lower energy bills by making corporations pay for data center infrastructure.
Ohio · 2026

U.S. House, District 13

Akron-area district redrawn slightly more favorable to Democrats.

Download printable PDF ↓
Carey Coleman
Republican · Challenger
Northeast Ohio radio host (WNIR) and former television meteorologist.
Campaign website ↗
Emilia Sykes
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2023; former Ohio House Democratic leader.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Carey Coleman
No public position found.
Emilia Sykes
Voted for every 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran and for the Ukraine Support Act.
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Carey Coleman
Supports workforce training tied to local employers, expanded apprenticeships, and “fair trade policies that protect American workers.” No AI position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Carey Coleman
Favors reining in federal spending and “ending wasteful programs” to fight inflation; no stated position on Medicaid or the ACA found.
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Carey Coleman
No public position found.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Carey Coleman
No public position found.
Emilia Sykes
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Carey Coleman
Supports “securing the border to stop the flow of illegal drugs” and cracking down on fentanyl trafficking.
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Carey Coleman
Pledges to “defend the First and Second Amendments, protect religious freedom” and oppose federal mandates that infringe on personal liberty.
Emilia Sykes
Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law, which created a federal tax credit for donations to K–12 scholarship organizations. Campaign emphasizes public schools.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Carey Coleman
Wants to “unleash American energy production to bring down fuel and utility costs.”
Ohio · 2026

U.S. House, District 15

Columbus-area district.

Download printable PDF ↓
Mike Carey
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since November 2021; vice chair of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee.
Campaign website ↗
Don Leonard
Democrat · Challenger
Former Ohio State University professor of city and regional planning; former Peace Corps volunteer.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Mike Carey
Voted against each 2026 House war powers resolution on Iran. Voted against discharging the Ukraine Support Act but for its passage.
Voting record
Don Leonard
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Don Leonard
Says automation should give workers “more time with our family, not fewer job opportunities”; criticizes trade deals that hurt workers and unions.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Don Leonard
Wants to cut out-of-pocket private insurance costs in half, create a public option, and provide universal child care; criticizes tax cuts “for billionaires and corporations.”
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Mike Carey
No public position found.
Don Leonard
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Don Leonard
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Free or Paid · Direct to Your Inbox

Follow the election with Letters from Leo

The most-read Substack on Pope Leo XIV and American politics. Subscribe here without leaving the page.

← All state voter guides