• About

Derek Merrin is on the Ohio Voter Guide

Welcome to the Ohio Voter Guide! The Ohio Voter Guide compiles unbiased, nonpartisan information about candidates that helps you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot. Please share this guide with your friends and family!

Republican
Derek Merrin
Derek Merrin
Background and Bio
Derek Merrin was born in Smithtown, New York, and moved to Waterville, Ohio, with his family as a teenager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University. At age 19, he became a member of Waterville City Council, and two years later, at 21, he was elected Mayor of Waterville, serving from 2008 to 2011. Merrin went on to serve eight years as a state representative from Lucas County, becoming the elected leader of the Ohio House Republican Caucus. He is also a real estate investor and currently lives in Monclova Township, Ohio.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Economy and Taxes: Campaign materials state Merrin’s support for policies that simplify the tax code, lower taxes, and promote transparency, and highlight his experience working on tax policy while serving as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. According to his campaign, he supported the 2025 federal tax bill, which included temporary cuts in federal taxes on overtime pay and tips and a tax deduction for seniors over 65, as well as making permanent tax cuts for corporations, parents, and wealthy individuals. He has expressed support for eliminating Ohio’s income tax.
  • Data Centers: While Merrin’s campaign has declined to comment on possible federal regulations for data center development, as a lawmaker he voted for legislation that expanded sales tax exemptions for data center developers. 
  • Healthcare: His campaign materials call for lowering prescription drug prices and reducing health regulations. According to his campaign, he supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the 2025 federal reconciliation law, which cut Affordable Care Act tax premium subsidies and created work requirements and new out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid enrollees.

Endorsements
  • Buckeye Firearms Association PAC
  • Club for Growth PAC
  • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) of Ohio
  • Lucas County Republican Party
  • Toledo Police Command Officers Association
  • Toledo Police Patrolman's Association
  • Right to Life Ohio PAC
  • Steak n’ Shake Corporation

Background and Bio
Derek Merrin was born in Smithtown, New York, and moved to Waterville, Ohio, with his family as a teenager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University. At age 19, he became a member of Waterville City Council, and two years later, at 21, he was elected Mayor of Waterville, serving from 2008 to 2011. Merrin went on to serve eight years as a state representative from Lucas County, becoming the elected leader of the Ohio House Republican Caucus. He is also a real estate investor and currently lives in Monclova Township, Ohio.
Policy Issue Summaries
  • Economy and Taxes: Campaign materials state Merrin’s support for policies that simplify the tax code, lower taxes, and promote transparency, and highlight his experience working on tax policy while serving as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. According to his campaign, he supported the 2025 federal tax bill, which included temporary cuts in federal taxes on overtime pay and tips and a tax deduction for seniors over 65, as well as making permanent tax cuts for corporations, parents, and wealthy individuals. He has expressed support for eliminating Ohio’s income tax.
  • Data Centers: While Merrin’s campaign has declined to comment on possible federal regulations for data center development, as a lawmaker he voted for legislation that expanded sales tax exemptions for data center developers. 
  • Healthcare: His campaign materials call for lowering prescription drug prices and reducing health regulations. According to his campaign, he supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the 2025 federal reconciliation law, which cut Affordable Care Act tax premium subsidies and created work requirements and new out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid enrollees.

Endorsements
  • Buckeye Firearms Association PAC
  • Club for Growth PAC
  • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) of Ohio
  • Lucas County Republican Party
  • Toledo Police Command Officers Association
  • Toledo Police Patrolman's Association
  • Right to Life Ohio PAC
  • Steak n’ Shake Corporation

Last Updated:2026-09-24
Innovation Ohio Education Fund

Paid for by Innovation Ohio Education Fund.

The nonpartisan summaries of candidates’ backgrounds and issue summaries within this voter guide were compiled from publicly available campaign materials and statements, candidate websites and social media accounts, and news coverage of the candidates and election.

Information presented within this resource is for educational and informational purposes and does not reflect the views or positions of Innovation Ohio Education Fund. Inclusion in this guide does not reflect an endorsement of, or opposition to, any candidate or political party.