Born on August 25, 1967, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the Senator from Ohio graduated from Montpelier High School in Ohio in 1985. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1989 and a Master of Arts in Communications in 1992, both from the University of Dayton. Before his political career, he served as the vice president for economic development at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. His political journey began as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009, where he attained the position of Speaker of the House (2005-2009). Following that, he served in the Ohio State Senate and was then elected as Ohio's Secretary of State from 2011 to 2019. His tenure also includes serving as Lieutenant Governor of Ohio from 2019 until his appointment to the U.S. Senate in January 2025 to fill a vacancy.

In the Senate, he has been a member of several committees, including the Environment and Public Works Committee and its subcommittees such as Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight. He is also involved in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and its subcommittees, indicating a keen interest in both health and environmental issues.

Throughout his legislative career, he has sponsored and co-sponsored various bills reflecting his priorities and policy inclinations. For example, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 (SB65) aims to allow individuals with valid permits to carry concealed firearms across state lines, highlighting a focus on Second Amendment rights. He also co-sponsored the Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act (SB121), designed to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs, demonstrating his commitment to accountability in government spending.

On matters of foreign policy, he co-sponsored the Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act of 2025 (SB145), which requires the President to impose sanctions on Iranian-backed organizations, indicating a strong stance on national security and international relations.

His legislative actions suggest a conservative political leaning, particularly evident in his support for gun rights, regulatory rollback, and stringent measures against international entities deemed harmful to U.S. interests. His involvement in the Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Streamline the Code of Federal Regulations Act (SB1110) indicates a focus on improving government efficiency and reducing bureaucratic red tape.

In his personal life, he values familial connections, although specific details regarding his family and personal endeavors beyond his political career are not extensively highlighted. His professional background and legislative focus reflect a commitment to economic development, public safety, and regulatory reform, marking him as a prominent figure in contemporary Ohio politics. Overall, his career encapsulates a blend of local and national governance experience, aiming to position Ohio and its interests on a broader stage.