Fighting for US in the Statehouse

Jim Thomas is currently serving his second term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 49th House District, which includes the City of Canton, most of Jackson Township, and a small part of Plain Township in Stark County.

Born and raised in Stark County, Jim understands the concerns of our community. For example, the rising cost of living, keeping/stimulating good paying jobs, and ensuring our schools have the resources necessary to prepare our children for the future.

During his time in the OH House, Jim has worked to pass multiple pieces of legislation including the Higher Education Return on Investment Act. As loan documents provide a summary page for a car or home loan, state universities are now required to provide a financial summary page to students/families prior to enrollment. Information provided includes a range of likely income, one and five years after graduation, based on the school’s data of graduates. Also, the monthly loan payments of the student will be provided.

Before his service in the Statehouse, Jim served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Jackson Township from 2020-2022.  He is a licensed attorney, earning a law degree from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Stanford University.  

Jim was a professional tennis player for twelve years, from 1996-2008. He earned a career-high doubles ranking of #3 in the USA and #29 in the world. He advanced to the 2025 US Open doubles semifinals. Jim has career doubles victories against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and the Bryan Brothers. He was a member of two NCAA Champion teams at Stanford in 1995, and 1996.

Jim is the youngest of six siblings. He has nineteen nieces and nephews. He is a parishioner of Canton St. Michael Catholic Church.