William Mercier, a Republican from Upper Arlington, is running for Ohio House District 7 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, a Democrat, and Cameron Koffel, who has no party preference, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Hometown: Upper Arlington, Ohio
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in aviation from The Ohio State University, according to his campaign website
  • Community involvement: Eagle Scout from UALC Troop 417 whose Eagle Scout project at Fancyburg Park still stands, according to his campaign; member of Knights of Columbus Council 11311 for more than 20 years; COSI Volunteer Hall of Fame member with more than 1,000 volunteer hours; parish council president at St. Agatha Church; squadron commander of Squadron 614, Sons of the American Legion

Mercier said on his campaign website that he grew up in Upper Arlington and attended Windermere Elementary School. He described Columbus as always being his "home."

Experience and public service

Mercier's career spans aviation, consulting and Republican Party politics, according to his campaign website.

Mercier said he worked on the maintenance department staff at Don Scott Field and served as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives under Speaker Jo Ann Davidson. He later became a senior consultant for technical services and aviation operations, working with international aviation clients including the Pentagon and major airlines, according to his campaign.

Mercier is a contributor and author for the Aerospace and Defense Review Newsletter, according to his campaign website. He also said he chaired the Maintenance Program and Industry Group of Airlines for America.

In party and civic roles, Mercier said he has served as a central committeeman for the Franklin County Republican Party, 2nd vice chair of the DeKalb County GOP in Georgia, a delegate to the Georgia State Republican Convention and a board member on the DeKalb County Registrations and Elections Committee. He also served as both a delegate and counselor for Buckeye Boys State, according to his campaign.

On the issues

Mercier outlined four policy priorities on his campaign website. The positions below are the candidate's own statements.

Public safety: Mercier said he wants to partner with law enforcement for safer neighborhoods, responsible policing and strong communities.

Education: Mercier said parents should have a voice, educators should have resources and support, and every child must have the opportunity to succeed.

Economy and jobs: Mercier said he wants to build the central Ohio economy of tomorrow with a reasonable tax structure for today.

Taxes and spending: Mercier said he wants to fix what is broken, measure results and stop wasting Ohioans' money. He offered no specifics.

Endorsements

Mercier has received endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police, according to his campaign website, and the Franklin County Republican Party, according to BallotReady.

  • Fraternal Order of Police
  • Franklin County Republican Party

Candidate information is drawn from Mercier's campaign website and BallotReady election data. Policy positions reflect the candidate's own responses.