Mike Carey

Mike Carey is the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 15th congressional district, representing the Republican Party. He was first elected to Congress in a November 2021 special election to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Steve Stivers. Born and raised in Sabina, Ohio, Carey attended the Marion Military Institute on an ROTC scholarship and later graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in history. He also served as an officer in the Army National Guard between 1989 and 1999. Prior to his election, his professional background included roles as an aide in the Ohio Senate and for a U.S. Representative. Carey spent over two decades in the energy industry before entering public office, most notably serving as the vice president of government affairs for American Consolidated Natural Resources, formerly known as Murray Energy. During this time, he was a prominent advocate for the coal industry and served as the chairman of the board for the Ohio Coal Association. In Congress, he is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on House Administration. His legislative work has frequently focused on energy policy, economic development, and workforce training programs such as apprenticeships. Since taking office, Carey has been active in regional infrastructure and economic initiatives in Central Ohio. He serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Humanities Caucus and the House Civility and Respect Caucus, the latter of which aims to foster respectful dialogue across the political aisle. He was elected to a full term in the 2022 general election and continues to represent a district that encompasses parts of Columbus as well as several surrounding rural counties.

Carey's policy platform emphasizes American energy independence, specifically advocating for the continued use of coal, natural gas, and oil to lower energy costs and ensure national security. On the economy, he supports fiscal conservatism, including the reduction of federal spending to combat inflation and the permanent extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Regarding immigration, he advocates for enhanced border security, the completion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and stricter enforcement of immigration laws. He is pro-life and a firm supporter of Second Amendment rights. In healthcare, he favors market-based reforms, increased price transparency, and has supported work requirements for Medicaid. His foreign policy approach emphasizes a 'peace through strength' doctrine, involving robust military funding and strong support for international allies such as Israel.