The Ballot Brief
Hamilton County, Ohio

Ohio Senate District 7

2 candidates are tracked for Ohio Senate District 7 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Cara Jacob and Zac Haines. Candidate information follows official Hamilton County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Cara Jacob (Democratic), Zac Haines (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Ohio Senate District 7. Not on the November ballot: Steve Wilson, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the May 5, 2026 primary or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list; Ohio prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

Ohio › Hamilton County › Ohio Senate District 7

Cara Jacob

Democratic

Top priorities
  • Implement the Fair School Funding Plan to provide an equitable, predictable funding system for every public school student regardless of zip code
  • Pursue property tax reform that protects homeowners while keeping local services funded
  • Support policies to lower healthcare costs and protect access to contraception and fertility treatment

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Cara Jacob is the Democratic candidate for Ohio Senate District 7 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. A practicing neurologist at the University of Cincinnati, per campaign site. Was unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Ohio Senate District 7, which covers all of Warren County and parts of Butler and Hamilton counties, per Journal-News.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Zac Haines

Republican

Top priorities
  • Reduce or eliminate the state income tax and cap property taxes
  • Support a choice-driven, student-centered education system including school choice options while strengthening public schools
  • Oppose corporate bailouts and government policies that pick winners and losers in the private sector

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Zac Haines is the Republican candidate for Ohio Senate District 7 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Chief executive of the DPA Buying Group, a group purchasing organization, and completing a nine-year appointment on the Miami University Board of Trustees, per campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)
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Questions about this race

Who is running for Ohio Senate District 7 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Ohio Senate District 7 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Cara Jacob and Zac Haines. Candidate information follows official Hamilton County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Ohio Senate District 7 election in Ohio?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Ohio are on the Ohio election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Hamilton County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Hamilton County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Ohio election office, or see the full Hamilton County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Hamilton County ballot

20 tracked races in Hamilton County, Ohio. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Ohio House District 24Ohio House District 25Ohio House District 26See all 20 Hamilton County races
Candidate profiles
Cara Jacob, full profileZac Haines, full profileOfficial Ohio election office