Mike Carey

Mike Carey
Birthplace	Ohio, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Template:Hlist
Known for	U.S. Representative for Ohio's 15th congressional district

Mike Carey is an American politician and former energy lobbyist serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 15th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Carey first entered Congress after winning a special election in 2021 to fill the vacancy left by Steve Stivers, who resigned to lead the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Prior to his career in elected office, Carey worked extensively in the coal and energy industries, serving as a lobbyist and consultant. His entry into politics was bolstered by the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which proved decisive in a crowded Republican primary field. Since taking office, Carey has focused on energy policy, tax legislation, and issues affecting his central and southern Ohio constituents. He has introduced legislation aimed at reducing fuel costs for American consumers, including the Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026, and has engaged with business and real estate interests in his district. Carey represents a district that includes portions of the Columbus metropolitan area and extends into rural communities in southern Ohio, a region with diverse economic interests ranging from logistics and warehousing to agriculture and energy production.

Career

Background in Energy

Before entering elected office, Mike Carey built a career in the energy sector, particularly in the coal industry. He worked as a lobbyist and consultant representing coal and energy interests. This background in the energy industry informed much of his policy platform when he transitioned to electoral politics, with Carey consistently advocating for policies favorable to fossil fuel production and energy independence.

2021 Special Election and Entry to Congress

Carey entered the national political stage in 2021 when he ran in the special election for Ohio's 15th congressional district. The seat became vacant after Republican incumbent Steve Stivers resigned from Congress. In the Republican primary, Carey competed against a large field of candidates. He secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which provided him with significant visibility and support among Republican primary voters in the district. Carey won the Republican primary and subsequently won the special election, taking office in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Upon entering Congress, Carey aligned himself with the Republican caucus and focused on issues related to energy policy, fiscal conservatism, and the economic needs of his Ohio district.

Legislative Activities

Carey has been active in introducing and supporting legislation during his time in Congress. A significant focus of his legislative agenda has been energy policy and efforts to reduce costs for consumers.

In February 2026, Carey introduced H.R. 7527, titled the Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026. The bill, which was received on February 12, 2026, garnered five cosponsors upon introduction. The legislation is consistent with Carey's broader emphasis on energy affordability and his background in the energy industry.

District Engagement

Carey has maintained an active presence in his congressional district, engaging with businesses and organizations across central and southern Ohio. In February 2026, Carey visited a Prologis facility in Groveport, Ohio, where he toured the company's warehouse and logistics operations. The facility, which is leased to The Kraft Heinz Company, is part of Prologis's Columbus-area real estate portfolio. The visit was highlighted by Nareit (the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) as part of its "REITs in the Community" series, underscoring Carey's engagement with the real estate investment trust industry and its economic impact in his district.

Campaign Finance and Wexner Donations

In February 2026, Carey attracted media attention for his decision to donate all campaign contributions received from Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands and a prominent Columbus-area business figure. Wexner had been identified as an alleged co-conspirator of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Carey committed to donating the funds, a decision reported by NBC4 WCMH-TV in Columbus. His Democratic counterpart representing another Columbus-area district, Representative Joyce Beatty, made a similar commitment to donate her Wexner-linked campaign contributions.

U.S. Senator Dave Husted of Ohio subsequently followed the lead of both Carey and Beatty, announcing that he too would donate Wexner-linked campaign funds to charity. The bipartisan decisions by Ohio's congressional delegation members reflected the broader political sensitivity surrounding individuals connected to the Epstein case.

Health Care Policy Criticism

Carey's voting record on health care legislation has drawn criticism from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). In February 2026, the DCCC released an analysis claiming that Carey "helped force 113,000+ Ohioans to drop their health insurance." The analysis alleged that Carey's support for certain legislative measures contributed to a reduction in health insurance coverage among Ohio residents. As a publication of the Democratic Party's congressional campaign arm, the analysis represents a partisan perspective on Carey's legislative record. The DCCC has identified Carey's district as a potential target in future election cycles.

Political Positions

Carey's political positions have been shaped by his background in the energy sector and his alignment with the Republican Party's policy priorities. He has focused on energy production, advocating for policies that support fossil fuel industries and aim to lower energy costs for consumers, as evidenced by his introduction of the Pay Less at the Pump Act of 2026.

His engagement with business interests in his district, including visits to logistics and real estate facilities, reflects an emphasis on economic development and job creation in central and southern Ohio.