Zac Haines seeks Ohio Senate District 7 seat

Zac Haines, a Republican from Symmes Township, is running for Ohio State Senate District 7 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. His opponent is Cara Jacob, a Democrat.

Asked why he is running, Haines said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running for the Ohio State Senate because I want to help keep the American Dream alive and attainable for the next generation. As a business owner and entrepreneur, I've spent my career solving problems, creating opportunities, and understanding the real-world impact that rising costs have on families and businesses."

Candidate information

Occupation: Haines said: "I am an entrepreneur and business executive who serves as CEO of a group purchasing organization. Under my leadership, I helped transform a small buying group into an international enterprise representing more than $2 billion in combined purchasing power."

Education: Haines said: "Miami University, Bachelor of Science."

Family: Haines said: "I am married to my wife Brittany and have two boys, Preston and Kellan."

Family in politics: Haines said: "No. I am a political outsider and nobody in my family works in government or politics."

Experience and public service

Haines has served on Miami University's Board of Trustees since 2018, according to Miami University. He also serves as CEO of DPA Buying Group, according to BallotReady.

Haines said in our questionnaire: "I have had the privilege of serving on Miami University's Board of Trustees for the past nine years. As a trustee, I have shared responsibility for the governance and financial stewardship of the university, including oversight of an annual operating budget exceeding $900 million, long-term financial planning, capital investments, audits, and major institutional priorities."

He added: "I also serve on the Foundation Board of Directors for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity … In addition, I have served my local Republican Party on the Hamilton County Republican Executive and Central Committees …"

On Aug. 20, 2020, Haines was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, according to his campaign biography.

On the issues

Lowering costs: Asked what state policy he would pursue to lower costs, Haines said in our questionnaire: "My priority is lowering costs for Ohio families and businesses by reducing property taxes, healthcare costs, and energy costs." He said he supports "meaningful property tax relief so homeowners are not priced out of their homes by rising tax bills" and wants to "lower healthcare costs by aggressively targeting fraud, waste, and abuse." On energy, he said Ohio should "produce more energy and invest in reliable energy infrastructure."

Health care: Asked how he would approach health care policy, Haines said: "Ohio must address provider shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while ensuring patients continue to receive care from highly trained medical professionals." He added: "I also support reducing unnecessary administrative and insurance burdens that take time away from patients."

Higher education: Asked about Senate Bill 1 and state oversight of public universities, Haines said: "No bill is perfect and Senate Bill 1 is no exception. However, I do think reform was needed in higher education to make sure universities remain relevant and desirable institutions of learning by students and their families, who ultimately pay their tuition dollars to attend."

Differences with opponent: Haines said: "I strongly reject socialism and believe Ohio is best served by limited government, free enterprise, individual liberty, and personal responsibility." He described himself as "a free-market capitalist who is pro-life, pro-law enforcement, pro-second amendment, and traditional family values."

Best advice: Haines said: "Never ask anyone to do the work that you are not willing to do yourself."