James Hoops

James M. "Jim" Hoops is a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, serving District 81, which includes Fulton, Williams, and Henry counties and parts of Defiance County. He currently serves as the Chair of the House Development Committee and was elected Majority Whip for the 135th General Assembly. Hoops has an extensive history in public service, having previously served in the Ohio House from 1999 to 2006 and as the Henry County Auditor from 1985 to 1998. He is currently a candidate for the Ohio State Senate District 1 in the 2026 election. Outside of his legislative career, Hoops has held significant roles in finance and higher education. He worked for American Municipal Power, Inc. as Associate VP of Finance, where he assisted in financing power plant construction, and later served as Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Northwest State Community College. A graduate of Patrick Henry High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Computer Programming from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. Hoops is active in his community, volunteering for the United Way and the Henry County Humane Society, and resides in Napoleon, Ohio, with his wife, Deb.