Republican · Ohio's 5th District · 2026
Bob Latta
Latta grew up around politics: his father, Del, represented the same part of Ohio in Congress for three decades.
Biography
Bob Latta's father, Del, represented Ohio in Congress for 30 years.1 Latta and his wife, Marcia, live in Bowling Green and have two daughters.2 Away from his official duties, he enjoys outdoor sports.2 His earlier community activities included the 4-H program, something colleagues noted when he first joined the House.1
He earned his bachelor's degree at Bowling Green State University and his law degree at the University of Toledo.2 He worked as an attorney, served as a Wood County commissioner from 1991 through 1996, then moved through the Ohio Senate from 1997 through 2000 and the Ohio House from 2001 through 2007.3 He entered Congress after winning a December 2007 special election, taking the oath that same month.1
Latta now chairs the Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and also serves on its communications and environment subcommittees.2 He sponsored the Drinking Water Protection Act, which became law in 2015 and required the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a strategy for assessing and managing algal toxin risks in public drinking water.45
His current priorities include extending rural broadband, reducing federal spending, addressing substance use and supporting energy independence and national defense.2 His constituent work also includes individual Courthouse Conferences, meetings where residents can raise questions or seek help dealing with federal agencies.2 His November opponents are Democrat Brian Shaver and Libertarian Michael Veloff.6
Record and controversies
Election litigation and certification position
In December 2020, Latta joined a brief asking the Supreme Court to review the constitutional validity of election rules changed by officials outside state legislatures.7 The Court denied Texas permission to bring the case for lack of standing, without deciding the ballot claims.8 On January 6, 2021, Latta condemned the Capitol attack and said Congress lacked authority to overturn elections and that he could not support electoral objections.9