Research Profile
William Troy Balderson, born on January 16, 1962, in Zanesville, Ohio, is a Republican politician actively campaigning for re-election in Ohio's 12th Congressional District in the 2026 House race. His official campaign website emphasizes his focus on addressing economic challenges faced by Ohio families, including inflation, high gas prices, and rising grocery costs, advocating for policies that promote economic stability and support working families (Balderson For Congress). His platform also strongly supports energy development, including legislation aimed at strengthening the electric grid and supporting traditional energy sources like coal, reflecting his pro-energy stance (Cleveland.com). Balderson advocates for the manufacturing and agriculture sectors in Ohio, promoting policies that foster growth and protect local jobs (Balderson House Priorities). He has supported legislation to enhance energy infrastructure and grid reliability, such as strengthening the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (Politico). Additionally, he emphasizes reinvesting taxpayer dollars into his district through community projects, aiming to improve local infrastructure and development (House.gov Community Funding). Recent news coverage from 2024 and early 2026 highlights his active legislative involvement, including passing the Reliable Power Act, and confirms his re-election in 2024, demonstrating his ongoing political relevance and campaign momentum (WHIZ News, NYT, WKRG). His background includes a business career as co-owner of Balderson Motor Sales and involvement in family farming operations, complemented by his service in Congress since 2018, succeeding a special election and being re-elected multiple times (Wikipedia, Congress.gov). His legislative record and recent public statements underscore his commitment to his district’s economic and energy priorities, positioning him as a prominent Republican candidate for the 2026 election in Ohio’s 12th district.