Michael Rulli

Michael A. Rulli is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 6th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Rulli has been in office since 2024, following a career in state politics as an Ohio State Senator. He is also known for his role as the director of operations at Rulli Bros. Markets, a family-owned grocery store chain located in the Mahoning Valley region of Ohio.

Early life and career

Michael A. Rulli was born on March 11, 1969. He completed his secondary education at Poland Seminary High School and later joined the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Rulli pursued higher education at Emerson College, where he earned bachelor's degrees in communications and speech in 1991. During his time in Boston, he gained practical experience through an internship with Joseph P. Kennedy II and participated in the local music scene as a member of the grunge band Red Bliss.

After graduating, Rulli returned to Ohio to work in his family's business, Rulli Bros. Markets, where he took on the role of director of operations. His early political involvement began at the local level, where he served as a member of the Leetonia Exempted Village School District Board. Initially a Democrat, Rulli transitioned to the Republican Party in the late 1990s, aligning himself with the party's values and policies.

Rulli's political career took a significant turn in 2018 when he was elected to the Ohio Senate, representing the 33rd district. He won this election by defeating incumbent John Boccieri, a former U.S. representative and member of the Ohio House of Representatives. Rulli's tenure in the Ohio Senate included re-election in 2022, where he again faced Boccieri's former colleague, Bob Hagan.

House tenure

Rulli's congressional career began when he became the Republican nominee for Ohio's 6th congressional district in March 2024. He successfully won the special election held on June 11, 2024, defeating Democratic candidate Michael Kripchak. Following his election, Rulli resigned from the Ohio Senate on June 12, 2024, and was sworn into the 118th U.S. Congress on June 25, 2024. His transition to the House of Representatives marked a new chapter in his political journey, where he aimed to represent the interests of his constituents at the federal level.

In the subsequent general election on November 5, 2024, Rulli was re-elected, securing approximately 66% of the vote against Kripchak once again. His electoral success indicated a solidified support base within his district. As a member of the House, Rulli has taken on various responsibilities, including serving as co-chair of the bicameral and bipartisan Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD), which focuses on issues pertinent to the Italian American community.

Legislative focus and committees

In his role as a U.S. Representative, Rulli has been involved in several legislative initiatives and committee assignments. He serves on the Committee on Education and Workforce, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, as well as the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. Additionally, he is a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, contributing to the Subcommittee on Energy, the Subcommittee on Health, and the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

Rulli's legislative focus has included a range of issues, notably in the areas of education, healthcare, and energy policy. His previous experience in the Ohio Senate has informed his approach to these topics. For instance, during his time in the Ohio Senate, he was involved in legislation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for measures that would prevent municipalities from banning plastic grocery bags. This legislation, known as HB 242, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in October 2020.

Rulli has also been active in discussions surrounding abortion legislation. He co-sponsored the Ohio Senate Bill 23, commonly referred to as the "Heartbeat Bill," which restricts most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. This legislation, signed into law in April 2019, has been part of broader efforts by Ohio Republicans to impose stricter abortion regulations. The bill has faced legal challenges, and its enforcement was temporarily blocked in September 2022.

In the U.S. House, Rulli has continued to engage with significant legislative matters. In January 2025, he voted to override Governor DeWine's veto of HB 68, a bill that bans gender-affirming care for minors and restricts transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports. His actions reflect ongoing debates within Congress regarding gender identity and healthcare access.

Rulli has also introduced resolutions, such as one designating July 13 as "Faith and Defiance Day," aimed at honoring specific events and figures in contemporary politics. His involvement in various caucuses, including the Republican Governance Group, aligns him with broader party initiatives and legislative strategies.

In summary, Michael A. Rulli's career has been marked by a progression from local school board member to state senator and now U.S. Representative. His legislative focus encompasses a range of issues, reflecting his party's priorities and the interests of his constituents in Ohio's 6th congressional district. As he continues to serve in the House, Rulli's actions and decisions will contribute to the ongoing political landscape in both Ohio and the nation.