Don Leonard, a Democrat and Ohio State University professor, is running for the U.S. House seat representing Ohio's 15th Congressional District in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Leonard is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. He faces three opponents: Mike Carey (Republican), Brennan Barrington (Libertarian) and Samuel Ronan (No Party Preference).

Ohio's 15th Congressional District includes parts of the Hilliard area. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives vote on federal spending, tax policy and legislation affecting issues such as healthcare, housing and education. Representatives serve two-year terms.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio 15th Congressional District
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, University of Massachusetts Lowell (2002); master's degree in economic and social development, University of Massachusetts Lowell (2003); doctorate in government, Cornell University (2013)
  • Residence: Not provided

Leonard describes himself on his campaign Facebook page as a "Medicaid Kid. Educator. Husband. Father. Do Something Democrat running to represent Ohio's 15th Congressional District."

Experience and public service

Leonard's career spans three institutions in higher education and research, according to BallotReady profile data.

He served as a Niehaus Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University from 2013 to 2014. He then worked as a research fellow at Tulane University's Center for Inter-American Policy and Research from 2014 to 2016.

Leonard has been a clinical professor of city and regional planning at Ohio State University since 2016.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Leonard's campaign website and his BallotReady candidate responses. Each reflects the candidate's own stated position.

Healthcare: Leonard said all Americans deserve quality insurance they can afford to use.

Housing: Leonard said every working American should be able to afford to own a home.

Childcare: Leonard said great care for children should not cost a second mortgage.

Aging: Leonard said supporting family caregivers means more freedom for retirees.

The candidate's campaign materials did not include specific legislative proposals, cost estimates or implementation timelines for these positions.

Endorsements

The following endorsements were claimed by the endorsing organizations, according to BallotReady profile data:

  • Ohio Organizing Campaign
  • AFSCME

The policy positions above are based on the candidate's own campaign materials and questionnaire responses. The Hilliard Herald did not interview the candidate for this profile. Voters can learn more at donforohio.com.