--- title: "Leonard vs. Carey: 2026 Ohio’s 15th District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-oh-15" updated: "2026-08-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 Ohio’s 15th District race: Don Leonard (D) vs. Mike Carey (R) Rating: Likely R · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: August 1, 2026 The 2026 election for Ohio's 15th Congressional District features two-term Republican incumbent Mike Carey against Democratic challenger Don Leonard, an educator at The Ohio State University. The matchup centers on working-class economic relief versus tax cuts, Social Security solvency and public worker benefits, healthcare access, and federal spending priorities. ## Candidates - **Don Leonard** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://donforohio.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Leonard) - **Mike Carey** (Republican, incumbent) · [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Carey_%28Ohio%29) ## Issues ### Economy and taxation Salience: high Leonard advocates for working-class financial relief by reversing corporate tax breaks and opposing tariffs, whereas Carey championed making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. **Don Leonard:** Supports working-family tax relief and corporate accountability Leonard criticizes 45 years of trickle-down economics, arguing that tax cuts for billionaires and corporations have left Main Street struggling. He proposes economic policies aimed at putting $1,000 per month back into working families' pockets and opposes Trump's tariffs, warning they drive up prices and threaten retirement savings. - Critiques trickle-down economic policies that cut taxes for Wall Street while underfunding local communities and schools. - Proposes federal policies to put $1,000 per month back in the pockets of working families by lowering major household expenses. - Opposes tariff policies that risk increasing consumer costs, disrupting supply chains, and damaging retirement savings. > “The hard-working families of Central Ohio deserve better than an economy where it takes two or three jobs just to get by.” > — Don Leonard, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Leonard) > “America is not broke. Our economy is just broken.” > — Don Leonard, via [Campaign site](https://donforohio.com) **Mike Carey:** Supports tax cuts and economic deregulation Carey co-authored and supported the Working Families Tax Cuts, which made the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and eliminated federal taxes on tips and overtime. He advocates for America First economic policies centered on lower taxes, deregulation, and boosting domestic business growth. - Authored and passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. - Made the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and created tax deductions for seniors on Social Security. - Voted for H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) reconciliation bill to address tax policy and debt limit provisions. > “After the Biden Administration ushered in the worst cost of living crisis in half a century with inflation peaking at 9% from reckless, left-wing government spending and mandates, Congressman Carey has worked with Congressional Republicans and President Trump to author and pass the Working Families Tax Cuts: the largest tax cut in American history.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) > “Lowering taxes, cutting red tape, demanding fair trade deals, and investing in our military.” > — Mike Carey, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Carey_%28Ohio%29) ### Social Security and senior care Salience: high Leonard advocates lifting the income cap on Social Security taxes to raise revenue from wealthy earners, while Carey led bipartisan legislation to eliminate benefit reductions for retired public servants. **Don Leonard:** Supports removing Social Security tax cap and caregiver relief Leonard supports eliminating the income cap on Social Security taxes so high-income earners contribute a higher share to secure the program's solvency. He also champions 'Affordable Aging' proposals to financially support family caregivers who stay home to care for relatives. - Proposes removing the earnings cap on Social Security taxes to ensure higher earners pay into the system. - Advocates for 'Affordable Aging' policies to financially support individuals caring for elderly family members at home. > “Let’s elimate the income cap on Social Security so the wealthiest pay their fair share, strengthen the program for the long haul, and make sure every senior can retire with the dignity they earned.” > — Don Leonard, via [Campaign site](https://donforohio.com) **Mike Carey:** Supports public pension fairness and overpayment protections Serving as Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, Carey helped lead the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act to restore full benefits to retired public employees. He also led congressional inquiries into Social Security Administration overpayment notices sent to seniors. - Co-led the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act in 2025, eliminating benefit offsets for retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters. - Initiated congressional oversight into the Social Security Administration regarding overpayment demand notices sent to millions of beneficiaries. - Supported tax deductions for seniors receiving Social Security as part of tax relief legislation. > “Today, public servants who dedicated their careers and risked their lives for their communities will get their full Social Security benefits thanks to this law.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ### Healthcare and childcare Salience: medium Leonard supports creating a public health insurance option and federal childcare subsidies, whereas Carey supported imposing work requirements on Medicaid recipients. **Don Leonard:** Supports public option and universal childcare subsidies Leonard proposes cutting private health insurance out-of-pocket expenses in half while providing all Americans access to a public health insurance option. He also supports expanding Head Start and providing federal subsidies for private childcare to reduce family costs. - Proposes cutting out-of-pocket costs for private health insurance in half. - Supports establishing a federal public health insurance option available to all citizens. - Advocates expanding Head Start and subsidizing private childcare expenses. > “HEALTHCARE: We must cut the out-of-pocket cost of private health insurance in half while at the same time ensuring that all Americans have access to a public option for their health insurance.” > — Don Leonard, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Leonard) > “Great care for our little ones shouldn’t cost a second mortgage.” > — Don Leonard, via [Campaign site](https://donforohio.com) **Mike Carey:** Supports Medicaid work requirements and veteran health accounts Carey supported enacting work requirements for Medicaid recipients in the Working Families Tax Cuts to restrict benefits to working citizens. He also introduced the Veterans HSA Access Act to enable disabled veterans to contribute to tax-free Health Savings Accounts. - Voted to implement work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid. - Introduced the Veterans HSA Access Act to allow disabled veterans to contribute to tax-free Health Savings Accounts without losing earned VA benefits. > “Congressman Carey also voted to enact commonsense work requirements for Medicaid in the Working Families Tax Cuts so that illegal immigrants and able-bodied non-workers don’t steal critical healthcare benefits from the vulnerable American citizens that need it the most.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ### Immigration and border security Salience: medium Leonard criticizes federal immigration tactics for infringing on civil liberties, while Carey supports aggressive border security funding, wall construction, and mandatory deportations. **Don Leonard:** Opposes aggressive federal enforcement and civil liberties overreach Leonard expressed concern over aggressive federal immigration tactics, condemning instances where federal agents detained legal residents and warning that unchecked enforcement threatens civil liberties. - Criticized masked federal agents detaining legal residents on American streets. - Warns against federal law enforcement overreach that circumvents constitutional protections. > “Meanwhile, masked federal agents were abducting legal residents off of American streets. All while the courts and Congress looked the other way.” > — Don Leonard, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Leonard) **Mike Carey:** Supports strict border enforcement and mandatory deportations Carey supports strict border security measures, completing the southern border wall, and increasing penalties and deportations for undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes. He voted for the Laken Riley Act, Secure the Border Act, and allocated $175 billion for border security. - Voted for the Laken Riley Act to increase detention and deportation mandates for undocumented immigrants arrested for theft or burglary. - Supported allocating $175 billion for border enforcement in federal tax legislation. - Voted for the Secure the Border Act and the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act. > “In 2025, Congressman Carey voted to pass the Laken Riley Act, legislation signed into law by President Trump that enacted higher penalties for illegal aliens who commit crimes in America and made them easier to deport.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) > “We must get tough on illegal immigration again and finish the wall!” > — Mike Carey, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Carey_%28Ohio%29) ### Housing and local infrastructure Salience: medium Leonard proposes a GI Bill-style federal construction effort for starter homes, while Carey focuses on securing earmarked federal grants for district roads, bridges, and water systems. **Don Leonard:** Supports federal GI bill initiative for starter homes Leonard proposes creating a 21st century GI Bill specifically for starter home construction to increase housing supply and make homeownership affordable for all working families. - Proposes a 21st century GI Bill program focused on constructing affordable starter homes. > “HOME OWNERSHIP: Every working family should be able to afford to buy a home. That begins with a 21st century GI Bill for starter home construction.” > — Don Leonard, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Leonard) **Mike Carey:** Supports targeted federal appropriations for community projects Carey highlights delivering over $50 million in federal community funding to the district, including a $25 million grant for road and bridge upgrades on Alum Creek Drive and local water infrastructure projects in Sidney and Bloomingburg. - Secured a $25 million federal grant for road improvements and bridge replacement on Alum Creek Drive in Franklin County. - Directed federal appropriations toward municipal water infrastructure projects in Sidney and Bloomingburg and facilities at Ohio State University. > “Since taking office, Congressman Carey has secured more than $50 million for his constituents at home in Ohio.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ### Government spending and federal budget Salience: low Leonard opposes budget cuts to public education and safety nets, whereas Carey voted to codify DOGE spending cuts and enforce federal spending caps. **Don Leonard:** Opposes spending cuts to social safety nets and education Leonard opposes federal budget cuts to public schools, healthcare, and social safety nets made under the guise of deficit reduction, arguing that public investment should prioritize Main Street working families over corporate bailouts. - Criticizes spending reductions in public education, healthcare, and social safety nets. - Expresses concern over giving private corporate executives influence to cut essential federal programs. > “While corporations and billionaires get trade deals, government bailouts and tax breaks, Ohio’s safety nets and public schools get gutted in the name of deficit reduction.” > — Don Leonard, via [Campaign site](https://donforohio.com) **Mike Carey:** Supports spending caps and codifying DOGE recommendations Carey supports cutting federal spending and curbing government waste. He voted to codify spending cuts recommended by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and supported the Fiscal Responsibility Act and Limit, Save, Grow Act. - Voted to codify spending reductions identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). - Voted for the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 and the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 to impose caps on federal discretionary spending. > “In 2025, Congressman Carey voted to codify the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cuts to wasteful, anti-American programs unearthed by DOGE.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ### Campaign finance and governance Salience: low Leonard focuses on overturning Citizens United to eliminate dark money in campaigns, while Carey voted for the SAVE Act mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration. **Don Leonard:** Supports overturning Citizens United and removing dark money Leonard advocates for campaign finance reform to eliminate dark money in elections, calling for overturning the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC to reduce billionaire influence in politics. - Calls for overturning Citizens United v. FEC to eliminate dark money in federal elections. - Criticizes massive political expenditures by wealthy donors in presidential campaigns. > “WE'VE GOT TO GET THE MONEY OUT OF POLITICS AND BACK IN THE POCKETS OF WORKING FAMILIES: The Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC represents a complete betrayal of America's founding principles.” > — Don Leonard, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Don_Leonard) **Mike Carey:** Supports proof-of-citizenship voting laws and congressional civility Carey voted for the SAVE Act to mandate documentary proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. He also co-founded the bipartisan Civility and Respect Caucus with Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty to foster decorum in Congress. - Voted for the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) requiring documentary proof of citizenship when registering for federal elections. - Co-created the Civility and Respect Caucus with Rep. Joyce Beatty to promote bipartisan decorum. - Voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act requiring full DOJ disclosure of unclassified investigative files. > “That is why he partnered with Democrat Congresswoman Joyce Beatty to create the Civility and Respect Caucus to encourage decorum amongst fellow members regardless of party.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ### Foreign policy and defense Salience: low Leonard criticizes Carey's foreign policy votes for prioritizing Middle East military involvement over local needs, whereas Carey consistently votes for national defense authorization legislation. **Don Leonard:** Criticizes overseas military involvement over domestic spending Leonard criticized congressional spending decisions regarding Middle East foreign conflicts, arguing that representatives should prioritize lowering domestic costs for Ohio families over overseas military involvement. - Criticizes congressional focus on Middle East military involvement over local working-class economic relief. > “Instead of lowering costs for Ohio families, he’s putting Benjamin Netanyahu’s priorities ahead of the people he was elected to represent.” > — Don Leonard, via [Campaign site](https://donforohio.com) **Mike Carey:** Supports national defense funding and military investment Carey consistently votes for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) legislation to fund military operations, servicemember pay, and national defense preparedness. - Voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670). - Voted for the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. > “As a Veteran, he totally supports our Military and his fellow Vets.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ### Crime, law enforcement, and public safety Salience: medium **Don Leonard:** No documented position in our sources **Mike Carey:** Supports harsher penalties for assault on officers and local police grants Carey champions federal support for law enforcement agencies and first responders. He sponsored the Protect and Serve Act, co-sponsored the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants Act, and supported classifying fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances under the HALT Fentanyl Act. - Championed the Protect and Serve Act to establish federal criminal penalties for knowingly causing serious bodily injury to law enforcement officers. - Co-sponsored the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants Act to assist local departments in recruiting and retaining officers. - Voted for the HALT Fentanyl Act classifying fentanyl analogues as Schedule I controlled substances. - Secured federal appropriations for a law enforcement facility in London and anti-human trafficking programs in Columbus. > “Mike Carey worked on and introduced this legislation as an original cosponsor to authorize law enforcement agencies to use COPS grants to recruit and retain law enforcement officers.” > — Mike Carey, via [Campaign site](https://www.careyforcongress.com) ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/oh-15-house-election-winner) — OH-15 House Election Winner: Republicans 62.0%, Democrats 37.5% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXHOUSERACE-OH15-26) — OH-15 House winner?: Mike Carey 63.0%, Don Leonard 38.0% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-oh-15)