Zack Space

Zachary T. Space is a former U.S. Representative who served Ohio's 18th congressional district from 2007 until 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Space's political career followed a background in law, where he practiced for nearly two decades before entering public service. After his tenure in Congress, he transitioned to lobbying and advocacy, continuing to influence policy in Ohio.

Early life and career

Zachary Thompson Space was born on January 27, 1961, in Dover, Ohio. He comes from a family of Greek descent, with roots tracing back to the island of Icaria. The alteration of his last name reflects a familial adaptation from his grandfather's original Greek name. Space's father, Socrates Space, was actively involved in local politics, serving as the Democratic chairman in Tuscarawas County, which likely influenced Zachary's own political aspirations.

Space completed his secondary education at Dover High School, graduating in 1979. He then attended Kenyon College, where he excelled in football, earning All-American honors, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a legal education at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

In 1986, Space began his legal career by establishing a law practice with his father, forming the firm Space & Space Company, LPA. This firm operated for nearly two decades, focusing primarily on consumer rights. During this time, Zachary Space also engaged in public service as a public defender and served as Special Counsel to two Attorneys General of Ohio, Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr. and Lee Fisher. His legal career included a notable appointment as the Law Director for the city of Dover, where he provided general counsel to the city government and handled misdemeanor cases in municipal court. He was elected to this position in 2001, receiving a significant majority of the vote, and he remained unopposed in the subsequent election in 2003.

In 1988, Space married Mary Ellen Wade, who later became a judge. His involvement in the legal community is further evidenced by his memberships in the Tuscarawas County and State of Ohio Bar Associations.

House tenure

Zachary Space's political career in the U.S. House of Representatives began when he won the Democratic primary for Ohio's 18th congressional district on May 2, 2006. He defeated several opponents, securing approximately 39 percent of the vote. His victory in the primary set the stage for a competitive general election against incumbent Republican Bob Ney, who faced legal challenges related to the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Ney withdrew from the race in August 2006, and the Ohio Republican Party selected State Senator Joy Padgett as his replacement. Space capitalized on the political climate and won the general election on November 7, 2006, with a significant margin, receiving over 62 percent of the vote.

During his first term, Space was assigned to several committees, including the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he served on various subcommittees focusing on commerce, technology, consumer protection, and health. He was also a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate and conservative Democrats. His legislative record reflects a focus on health issues, particularly embryonic stem cell research, which he advocated for following his son's diagnosis with Type I diabetes.

In 2008, Space successfully ran for re-election, defeating Republican candidate Fred Dailey with approximately 60 percent of the vote. However, his political fortunes changed in 2010 when he faced Republican State Senator Bob Gibbs in a challenging campaign. Gibbs criticized Space's support for policies such as cap and trade, arguing that they would negatively impact the district's coal mining community. Ultimately, Space lost the election, receiving about 40 percent of the vote compared to Gibbs's 54 percent.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Zachary Space focused on various legislative issues, particularly in the realm of health care and environmental policy. He was a strong advocate for embryonic stem cell research, a position that was deeply personal to him due to his family's experiences with diabetes. His commitment to health-related issues was evident in his work on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he participated in discussions and initiatives related to health care reform.

Space's legislative actions included voting for the House version of the Affordable Care Act, which featured a public option, although he later voted against the final Senate version. He also supported the Waxman-Markey "cap and trade" bill, which aimed to address climate change through market-based solutions. His vote on this legislation was recognized by organizations such as American Electric Power and the Environmental Defense Fund, which publicly commended him for his support.

After leaving Congress in 2011, Space transitioned to a career in lobbying and advocacy. He became a principal at Vorys Advisors LLC, a subsidiary of the law firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. In 2019, he founded Sunday Creek Horizons, a lobbying and advocacy firm that serves clients in eastern and southern Ohio. In 2018, Space ran for Ohio State Auditor, where he focused on restoring public confidence in the democratic process and addressing issues such as partisan gerrymandering. Although he did not win the election, he performed notably well in Appalachian Ohio counties.

Zachary Space's career reflects a blend of legal expertise and public service, with a focus on health care, consumer rights, and community advocacy. His experiences in both law and politics have shaped his approach to governance and his ongoing commitment to the people of Ohio.