- Former U.S. Rep. and former Ohio Governor
John Kasich
John Kasich is a prominent American politician and businessman who served as the governor of Ohio from 2011 to 2019. Born on May 13, 1952, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, he earned a political science degree from Ohio State University and began his political career as an aide to a state senator. Kasich was elected to the Ohio State Senate in 1978 and subsequently served in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he played significant roles on the House Budget and Armed Services Committees. As governor, Kasich emphasized conservative values and fiscal responsibility, advocating for tax cuts and job creation while also supporting the expansion of Medicaid in Ohio. His tenure saw a decrease in unemployment rates, although some of his policies, such as anti-union legislation, initially met with resistance. After a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, where he was a notable contender, Kasich transitioned to political commentary, first with CNN and later with MSNBC. He has authored two books and has been recognized for his shifting perspectives on various social issues over the years. Kasich is also known for his family life, having two children with his second wife, Karen.